Shadow of the Lost Son: A Roman TL

[FLAYvian1310]

A/N: Hello dear audience! Some of you may know me from the TL 'Roma Renovata est', some may have not. Both TL focus on periods of the Roman Empire, but during times of very different fortunes. This TL will be focusing on Rome's height; The Five Good Emperors! This TL will focus on the twin brother of one Lucius Aurelius Commodus, as he forges his own destiny as Emperor. With that out of the way, let's begin!

Birth of a Legend

161 AD

In the Imperial Palace of Rome, Marcus Aurelius waited on the birth of his child. He had wanted an heir, so that he knew Rome would transition peacefully in his death. The other Emperors of the Nerva-Antonine Dynasty had been able to select good heirs to replace them. But he knew that it would only be a matter of time until a miss step was made and Rome was thrown into turmoil as a result. Marcus Aurelius hoped to nip the problem in the bud, by producing heirs to ensure a peaceful succession. He was already at 40, he could live on for a while longer, but he could also die soon after his coronation. Even if he had the decades left, he knew he would have to get heirs to the throne soon, to ensure that peaceful succession was possible.

Eventually, Faustina would give birth to a son, Titus Aurelius Fulvus Antoninus. The boy was still for a moment before letting out a strong hearty cry. Aurelius was relieved, he now had a successor. But things weren't done yet, there was another on the way, twins. This was even better. Marcus Aurelius now had two successors. Now, he could be sure that Rome could be able to transition peacefully into the next emperor. Now, Rome's prosperity was cemented, at least for the time being.

The second baby was born, named Lucius Aurelius Commodus by his parent. The twin sons of Marcus Aurelius, the ones destined to carry forth the title of "Emperor". At this moment the legends of both men would begin, legends that would rival that of their own fathers, in wildly different aspects. Little known to all who stood inside that room, those twins would define an age, for better and worse.

A/N: And that is that! The first chapter of this new series completed. This series won't be as regularly updated as Roma Renovata est is right now, likely a week or so between each update. I don't know quite as much about Marcus Aurelius and his reign as I know about Emperors like Aurelian or Majorian, so any improvements would be much appreciated. See you next Chapter!

 

[Hoppyloop]

Looking forward to it.

 

[Panzerlied]

 

[ImperialxWarlord]

Damn. Beat me to it.

 

[FLAYvian1310]

Welp be prepared to use more for those prequel memes, cause your probably going to need them.

 

[FLAYvian1310]

A/N: Here is Chapter 2 of Shadow of the Lost Son! Chapter 3 won't be out in as short a time frame, as my main TL is still very much Roma Renovata est. But I decided to do the second episode will the poll finishes up. I hope you all enjoy!

Growing Up in the Golden Age

166 AD

Fulvus Antoninus dashed along the halls of the Imperial palace as the servents tried to catch up. The boy however was very cunning for his age and was able to slip past them, something he had made a habit of. Finally the boy had reached his destination. He had been looking for the soldiers in the palace, in particular, the one in charge of them, Lucius Verus. He and the young prince had a very close relationship. Some in the palace say that Antoninus considered Verus as more of a father figure than his own father.

Verus allowed the boy to stay for a while, letting him gaze in awe and wonder at the soldiers around him. Antoninus had had a deep passion for soldiers and warfare since the day he had that first coherent thought. He loved learning about the goings on in the army and the lives of each soldier. The soldier, in turn were happy to indulge the curiosities of the small boy.

Antoninus then asked his "uncle" if he could join them in battle. He had heard that the soldiers would be going on campaign to fight the Germans. Verus laughed to himself about the boy's question, but stated that he could not, as he was still far to young to join in. However, he also reassured the boy, telling him that when the time was right he would be able to fight alongside them.

Eventually, Fulvus Antoninus was escorted back to his room. He went without a fuss, as he had gotten what he came for.

There was one problem with the room in Antoninus's eyes however; his brother Commodus was also in the room. The two had to share the same room, an arrangement neither enjoyed. They had something of a sibling rivalry, always trying to best one another at everything. They also had very different interests, as Commodus found his idols in the gladiators who fought in the colosseum, whilst Antoninus found his in the soldiers who fought on the battlefield. The twins would argue almost everyday over who was cooler, and would win.

There was also his relationship with his father, Marcus Aurelius. The relationship was solid, but not really a bond of family. Marcus Aurelius was more of a mentor than a true parent; all of the teaching but without any of the emotion. Antoninus wanted more out his relationship with his blood father.

In fact, the child wanted more out of life in general. He had heard the stories of the many Roman legends that had built the land which he stood upon. Tales of Romulus founding Rome, Scipio Africanus defeating Hannibal at Cathage, Julius Caesar conquering Gaul, Augustus starting the Empire, Trajan bringing it to it's highest glory. He looked up to those men, wanted to be like them, wanted to have his name carved into the stone wall of history alongside them.

The fire of ambition within Fulvus Antoninus was strong. The one thing his brother lack in being a future emperor, he had in spades. This would lead him on his path of legend, such that people would know him as 'The Sixth Good Emperor'.

A/N: And that is Chapter 2, I hope you enjoyed. This was fun to write, so I hope you had just as much fun reading. See you next Chapter!

 

[Panzerlied]

Gib us Maximus Decimus Meridius

 

[FLAYvian1310]

A/N: Hello everybody. I'm back with another Chapter. Continuing in the times of Marcus Aurelius, we shall see how the young Fulvus Antoninus grows into a man worthy of being 'The Sixth Good Emperor'.

Times of Struggle

167 AD

Fulvus Antoninus was sick. Sick with an illness that could have seen the end of his life. These were times of great unrest, as Rome had already been fighting the Marcomannic Wars against the Barbarians of Germania. In these times, a catastrophe had arisen, a plague had swept through the empire, devastating scores of people. And now, the Antonine Plague had reached the imperial palace.

The one struck hardest was one of the imperial successors, Fulvus Antoninus. On the 25th July He has confined to his bed, away from most social interaction, only having a maid to wait on him. For weeks, people thought that the young prince would meet his end in that room. But the boy kept clinging to life. He has the drive to survive, he would make it through this illness, no matter what.

Finally, over 1 month after he caught the illness, on the 3rd September, Fulvus Antonius would emerge from his room, still alive. However, he had been left physically weaker, barely able to stand on his own 2 feet.

But whilst it had left him temporarily weaker, it had lit a fire in his soul. That experience would forever change his life. The youthful mischievousness of a child was replaced by the calm, calculate focus of a adult. Many of the servants in the palace commented on his change in attitude, following this experience

Following this experience, he began devoting himself to training both his mind and body to be at it's peak.Before, his twin brother Commodus once got under his skin on many occasions. Now his brothers comments didn't even faze him. He had already possessed a shape mind, but not he was putting effort into his work, training his skills at both the pen and the sword.

168 AD

The Co-emperors would return to Rome early in the year in order to see what was happening within Rome. When the emperors returned, Antoninus would approach Verus, asking to be trained in combat by Verus. When Verus looked into the young boys eyes he could see the change in him. Both Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus would ask about what had happened, especially to Antoninus. When they were told, they were shocked by what had transpired. However, Marcus Aurelius also felt another emotion, relieve. He was relieved in knowing that his progeny were strong and capable. He was also impressed by Antoninus's improvement over the span of his most recent campaign. He would have to check up on his son more often. Verus meanwhile felt pride in his "nephew" for being able to presever through such as terrible illness.

Later that night, Fulvus Antoninus would begin his training with Lucius Verus. The lessons he learned from that experience would forever shape his life.

A/N: And that's Chapter 3 of 'Shadow of the Lost Son'. I hope you all enjoyed reading it. Let me knowing anything could be improved. See you next Chapter!

 

[FLAYvian1310]

A/N: Hello everyone! I'm back with another chapter of this series. This time we will see the beginning of Fulvus Antoninus's training as a true Roman Warrior. I hope everyone enjoys this latest chapter!

Training with Uncle Verus

The training with Verus was very difficult and tiring on the young Antoninus's body. Each day, he'd end the session with several cuts and bruises from the combat training. Lucius Verus was not going easy.

But this wasn't Verus's idea to be so harsh, it was Fulvus who wanted this. When the training began, Verus had gone easy on the boy. But as Antoninus had kept on demanding to be taken seriously, Verus eventually had no choice but to aquiese to Antoninus.

In truth, Antoninus lived for this, as it was his best oppertunity to interact with the nan that was a father figure to him. He wanted to be respected by Verus, and was willing to ho through whatever pain it took to earn that respect.

Each day was brutal for him, but he would always come back for more. This also earned the respect of the soldiers, who enjoyed seeing the young boy's tenacity and thirst for battle. This also earned his fathers full approval, loving his sons's eagerness to learn, fully confident in Antoninus's ability to be a good emperor.

However it had also brought about something in Commodus, Antoninus's twin. It has caused envy and resentment to begin festering within the younger of the twins. As Antoninus continued to soar, being praised by everyone around him, Commudus was left to the side more and more. He was supposed to be co-successor the Marcus Aurelius, Antoninus was supposed to be his twin. Yet, with each passing day, the Antoninus's began to feel more and more like an older brother, one that was decades ahead, rather than minutes.

Commodus hated feeling so inferior to his twin. It was because of this that he demanded to be trained alongside him, to which Verus complied. It was here that he would see just how behind he was from his brother. When Verus trained with him, he was relaxed, using light strikes and blocks. With Antoninus, he put his weight into it, as if they were in true combat.

Commodus was enraged at this gap in their training, demanding to be taken seriously. This gap would again be shown when Verus unleashed his first flurry upon the twins. Antoninus was able to grit his teeth and withstand it, whilst Commodus immediately crumpled like paper, begging for his life.

Commodus would then retreat to watching the gladiators fight, not wanting to go through that experience again.

Fulvus Antoninus meanwhile would keep moving from strength to strength by the end of 168 AD, he was skilled enough with the sword that he was able to knick the cheek of Verus in one of their lessons together. He was never able to defeat Verus, as Verus's size and experience when compared to Antoninus was simply too much for the boy to overcome as this stage in his life, even with his tenacity. But he showed clear improvement, going from being clearly outmatched at the start of the year, to being able to hold his own and even match Verus for brief moments by the years end.

Antoninus was gearing up to be one of the most skilled warriors of his generation, the future certainly looked bright for Rome.

A/N: And that's all for now, I hope all of you enjoyed it. This marks the start of Commodus's true character arc for the series, his habit of returning to what he knows when he fails at what he doesn't with certainly be present throughout the young successor life. Thank you for reading this latest Chapter, let me know what you thought of it. See you next Chapter!

 

[Panzerlied]

However it had also brought about something in Commodus, Antoninus's twin. It has caused envy and resentment to begin festering within the younger of the twins. As Antoninus continued to soar, being praised by everyone around him, Commudus was left to the side more and more. He was supposed to be co-successor the Marcus Aurelius, Antoninus was supposed to be his twin. Yet, with each passing day, the Antoninus's began to feel more and more like an older brother, one that was decades ahead, rather than minutes.

Are we going to see an early version of Carcalla and Geta?

 

[FLAYvian1310]

A/N: Hello All! I am back with another chapter! So far Antoninus and Commodus have been kept to the imperial palace. Now, for the first time, they will be venturing out into the real world of Rome.

Into the Real World

172 AD

Lucius Verus was bedridden. Earlier in the year, Verus had come down with a case of the Antonine Plague, the same disease that had nearly taken Antoninus's life a few years earlier. Now it was Verus's life that hung by a thread.

Fulvus Antoninus was distraught at this news, spending alot of his time pacing back and forth. He knew of the threat that the disease posed, as he had had the personally misfortune of experiencing it himself. But he knew that he wouldn't be able to do much to help Verus, all he could do right now was hope that Verus would be able to pull through like he had done.

Commodus had also used this oppertunity to taunt Antoninus, claiming this was evidence to why gladiators were better than soldiers. After all, you don't see gladiators dropping like flies. This was blatently false, but the point was made anyway. Soon, Antoninus had had enough, dropping Commodus and even going so far as to put a sword to his throat, before they were broken up by the servent.

This was not lost on Marcus Aurelius. He could see how tense the situation truly was. His co-emperor was potentially on his death-bed, and his successors were at each others throats. Antoninus worryed him in particular. He could see how much Verus's condition was getting to him.

It was for this reason that Marcus Aurelius decided on taking the imperial successors out beyond the imperial palace. At this point, the boys were around 11 year old, so they were old enough to do so. It might also take Antoninus's mind away from Verus for the time being.

The day would finally come on the 22nd August 172, both Antoninus and Commodus would step out into the open air for the first time in their lives. Both boys felt awe and wonder at the eternal city, but whereas Commodus was overjoyed to finally be able to see the eternal city, Antoninus remained calm and steady.

He two boys would explore the city with the guidence of their father. Commodus was taken to see the Colosseum for the first time, getting to see the grand spectacle in all it's glory. Commodus of course loved it, Antoninus on the other hand didn't care much for it. He certainly admired the spectacle and effort that have to have gone into making such a grand display, but in his mind, it just didn't compare to the rush of battle itself. He had gotten a taste of it during his training sessions with Verus. He wanted to truly experience what it was like being in the midst of battle.

Once the games were finished, they then explored the streets. Commodus would only finding himself interacting with the richer members of society, as was expected.

But in this experience, Antoninus had gained a bit of his childhood ways back, especially his sneakyness. He snuck off, wandering through the streets, using street clothes to disguise himself. This was where he would find himself interacting with the lower classes. This would be the first time that Fulvus Antoninus would finds out about the struggles of the everyday person.

One experience in particular would change his life forever. Whilst on his little trip, he would meet a beggar. He would ask the beggar about why he was sitting on the streets. This would spark a discussion that lasted for hour, where the man would show him a glimpse of the true suffering that people had to go through.

When Marcus Aurelius found Antoninus, he found him on the floor having a philisophical conversation with a beggar. Part of him was angry that Antoninus had run off, his philisophical part was proud of Antoninus for being so wise beyond his years.

This conversation would persist in Antoninus's mind, shaping his views on the poor for the rest of his life.

By the end, Commodus was satisfied with the trip, getting to see everything he ever wanted to see. Antoninus was not however. This trip had given him as many questions as it had answered.

If he wanted to gain answers, he would have to go beyond Rome itself, across the whole empire.

A/N: And that is all for now, it has been fun writing this chapter. Fulvus Antoninus the Man is beginning to take shape. How will he go from here? We shall see...
Thank you all for reading this TL, your feedback is always appreciated. See you next Chapter!

 

[Panzerlied]

*Later in life, when barbarians are being barbarians in Germania...*
Antoninus: If only I had a loyal friend to solve my problems- Oh Maximus! Go fuck them up!

 

[FLAYvian1310]

*Later in life, when barbarians are being barbarians in Germania...*
Antoninus: If only I had a loyal friend to solve my problems- Oh Maximus! Go fuck them up!

Roughly 210 AD
Antoninus's son: If only I had a loyal friend to solve my problems- Oh Caracalla! Go f**k them up!

 

[Panzerlied]

Somewhere in Germania...
Antoninus: Ah, another civilized day-
Barbarian: Chaos wird siegen! Zerstören! Zerstören! Zerstören!
Antoninus: Oh come on!

 

[Icee]

This chapter comes out soon as new video is uploaded by Dovahhatty

 

[Panzerlied]

This chapter comes out soon as new video is uploaded by Dovahhatty

Coincidence? Probably.

 

[FLAYvian1310]

Coincidence? Probably.

Yeah I watched Dovahhatty's newest video a few minutes after it came out, but that was afterI had uploaded the newest Chapter of this TL.

 

[FLAYvian1310]

A/N: Hello all! I'm back with another chapter. And this is a special one for me, a special birthday chapter, as I am writing this on my birthday. I hope you all enjoy this latest chapter.

To the Ends of the Earth

173 AD

Though he struggled and fought, Verus couldn't hold out forever. Eventually, earlt in the year, Verus passed away. This sent Antoninus into deep grief. His father-figure, his mentor, was now gone. For weeks he confined himself to his room, crying for the man he most respected. He barely slept or ate, despite the prodding from the palace servants.

This worried Marcus Aurelius, thinling that if Antoninus kept this up that he may die. He could not allow his successor to die like that. He began to think on what he could do to get Antoninus's mind away from Verus's passing. He then remembered how he was to be going out the Danube to do inspections and to led the charge if another battle commences.

A few days later, Marcus Aurelius would approach his son with an offer to accompany him to the danabe to met the soldiers. Though not fully taken away from Verus's death, he did perk up at this, intrigued by the offer. He mulled it over for a few minutes, before ultimately agreeing to this offer.

On the 6th April, Marcus Aurelius and Fulvus Antoninus would depart to the Danube from Rome. This would be Antoninus's first experience at the Danube, and area the he would become very familiarised with.

He would accompany his father around to the camp, assisting him in the day to day happenings of the army. The first few days were nothing much of note, routine inspections, drawing up plans, the like.

But things would change on the fourth day. As Marcus Aurelius and Fulvus Antoninus were making a routine inspection of the soldiers, they soldiers were suddenly attacked. The Quadi had launch an ambush against the Roman forces at the. The Romans were in a clearing near to a forest, allowing an oppertunity for the Quadi to strike the back.

The Romans regrouped, pushing the Quadi back towards the forest. The Quadi pushed back against the Roman Legionairies, forcing a stalemate. Marcus Aurelius reacted quickly, ordering Fulvus Antoninus to the camps, before getting on a horse and charging in to the fray to command the army.

Fulvus Antoninus raced back to the camp site and retreated into one of the camp. Taking a moment to calm himself and think over the scenario he was in. This was his chance to prove himself as a worthy soldier, but it could also be his death. After all he was only 12 at this point, he hadn't trained as long. His drive and doubt swirled in his mind.

This changed when he looked back outside. Most of the battle was proving to be a stale mate, except for the right flank, which was beginning to fall apart under the Quadi onslaught. He knew he needed to help, if he didn't the battle may be lost.

With his mind made, he ran around the tent, grabbing what ever he could, gearing up for the first of many battles in his life. The shield was very big for him, and the chestplates were rather oversized, but it was the best he could find.

He then charged into the right flank, joining in on the brawl. The soldiers saw this and began to rally. After all, if a kid could be brave enough to fight, then why shouldn't they? Eventually the right flank was able to push back against the Quadi. In the chaos, Antoninus would nearly end up decapitated by a Quadi warrior. However he was able to use his shorter statue to duck under the sword, before countering the warrior by stabbing him in the chest with his sword.

Eventually, the Quadi retreated, unable to break the Roman line. The army celebrated with some the soldiers lifting Antoninus, now covered in blood, high into the air, hailing him a hero. This moment would cement the loyalty of the army in Fulvus Antoninus.

Marcus Aurelius would both chastise and congratulate his son for being both brave and idiotic. But it didn't matter to Antoninus, he loved the rush of adrenaline he got from being right at the centre of a heated battle. He wanted to experience that rush of excitement again, and it would not be too long after that he would get his wish.

A/N: And that is all for now, I hope you all enjoyed this birthday edition of 'Shadow of the Lost Son'. The feedback is alway appreciated. See you next Chapter!

 

[Panzerlied]

With his mind made, he ran around the tent, grabbing what ever he could, gearing up for the first of many battles in his life. The shield was very big for him, and the chestplates were rather oversized, but it was the best he could find.

He then charged into the right flank, joining in on the brawl. The soldiers saw this and began to rally. After all, if a kid could be brave enough to fight, then why shouldn't they? Eventually the right flank was able to push back against the Quadi. In the chaos, Antoninus would nearly end up decapitated by a Quadi warrior. However he was able to use his shorter statue to duck under the sword, before countering the warrior by stabbing him in the chest with his sword.

Eventually, the Quadi retreated, unable to break the Roman line. The army celebrated with some the soldiers lifting Antoninus, now covered in blood, high into the air, hailing him a hero. This moment would cement the loyalty of the army in Fulvus Antoninus.

Dovahhatty: Despite his youth, Antoninus rally the legions in slaughtering the g*rms, earning him the admiration of the legionnaires and the respect of his father, much to the autistic screeching of his brother.

 

[Panzerlied]

much to the autistic screeching of his brother.

Commodus: grr... what does he have that I don't?! REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE