Volusus walked towards the large platform in the center of Rome, his Praetorian Guards behind him. He could see his three sons already on the platform, secured with bodyguards of their own. He smiled as he walked onto the platform and stared into the mass of people.
Volusus: People of Rome!
He spoke so many could hear him.
Volusus: Welcome to this wonderful event.
Meanwhile on top of the Pantheon:
An archer stared into the crowd, watching for anything unusual, Carbo was the best archer in Rome, he had pinpoint accuracy and could take out a single person in huge crowds. Perfect for this job. The emperor needed to be "protected" at ALL costs.
Meanwhile back on the platform:
Aquilinus listened to his father intently, as did his two brothers. He smiled at his father, who was probably one of the best Emperors Rome had ever had, he was thankful that he wouldn't have to follow his footsteps, that would be Rutilus' job.
Malleolus walked through the crowds, as did hundreds of others, trying to get closer to the Emperor, today the Rebellion would begin. Today would be the day the overthrowing of Rome would begin, first with the deaths of the Imperial Family. It had to be done, or Rome would still be a strong nation. He and many others of his legion were done with Rome, they began recruiting members, secretly of course, and soon they had enough to strike at the hearts of Rome, perfect timing, too. Rome's Emperor was going to speak and they were going to strike.
Malleolus and the others didn't bother waiting for the Emperor to end his speech, they began moving as soon as he begun. Soon, they were at the steps of the platform, were many guards were waiting. Malleolus scratched the back of his head and then ran his fingers threw his hair. Suddenly, sixteen guards fell, arrows through their chests. Malleolus and others drew their weapons, they charged the platform.
Guard: GET TO THE FAMILY! PROTECT THEM WITH YOUR LIVES!
The guard was suddenly flown backwards as a spear penetrated his armor and went through his body. The Emperor and heirs drew their weapons, as did the Praetorian Guard. Hundreds of civilians and senators began running for their lives, screaming...
Aquilinus had no idea what to do, he had four guards near him, but he didn't know if he should run..or fight.
Archers began to fire on both the Rebellion members and Roman army. Carbo took aim, he lifted his bow at a 55 degree angle, pulled the arrow back and let it loose. The arrow tore through the sky, eventually going downwards.
Malleolus charged at the Emperor who was undefended, his guards were scattered. Malleolus grinned.
Malleolus: You will pay for your actions!
Volusus: What actions! I was a go--
Suddenly, an arrow hit the Emperor in the chest, he fell to his knees, dropping his sword.. Malleolus stood over him, grinning.
Aquilinus swung at a man charging him, decapitating him. He turned only to see his father on his knees. Malleolus lifted the sword to Volusus chest. He drove the sword through his chest, without saying a word, but with a smile on his face. He removed the sword and the Emperor dropped to the ground.
Aquilinus: The Emperor has been killed! Kill the man responsible!
Guards surrounded Aquilinus, including a Legate in green armor.
Rutilus: Father!
Rutilus ran over, when three arrows pierced his chest, he fell to the ground.
Structus, the second son watched as his father and brother were murdered. He continued to fight the upcoming rebels, but was overpowered. A man brought a spear through the back of his chest, and another brought a sword through his chest.
Structus turned to face his brothers, he mouthed the words, "Run," before falling to the ground.
In no time, the Guard was retreating with Aquilinus in the middle, many of the rebel archers were running, as the guards ran up the buildings.
Malleolus: LA RIBELLIONE!
He screamed, and nodded to his fellow rebels, who began to flee the scene, taking horses out of the city gates, whose guards, were bribed.
Aquilinus watched the wreckage and played it through his mind again and again. His family was murdered.
117 A.D. - Rome
Many hours Later
Aquilinus insisted on leaving the safety of the palace and returning to the scene, by now all rebel soldiers were killed, captured, or fleeing. He stood at the top of the platform, and looked around at all the dead, his two brothers, his father, Senators, guards, and even a civilian here and there. He looked at it all, why it happened. Guards were clearing the area, and the Imperial family was lined up at the top. He knelt in front of them.
Aquilinus: I don't know why...or how this happened father, brothers. I will avenge you all, I will take over the Empire, I will lead it to greatness and I will destroy the Rebellion. In your honor father, I will follow in your footsteps.
His heart sank as he said the words, something he never wanted to do, and he had to do it.
Aquilinus: I'm sorry.
A Legate in green armor walked up to Aquilinus, he knelt before him.
Quadratus: Aquilinus...my lord.
Aquilinus turned.
Aquilinus: Rise legate.
Quadratus stood up and looked at Aquilinus.
Quadratus: I believe this in yours now.
Quadratus had the Roman crown in his hand, he bowed and lifted it to Aquilinus.
Aquilinus carefully took it from his hands. He smiled.
Aquilinus: Thank you....
120 A.D. - Rome
Aquilinus sat in his throne, he looked over the room. The Praetorian guard surrounding him.
A messenger rushed through the doors, he ran to the Emperor's seat, knelt.
Aquilinus: Mercury, what is it?
Mercury: My lord, spies have found something. Important.
Aquilinus: What?
Mercury: The Rebellion.
Aquilinus stood in his chair, his guards looked at him.
Aquilinus: Get me Quadratus.
(you are now free to post...the story is will progress, as of now, the rebellion is in hiding in the northern mountains, and the roman army leaders and in Rome)