Take Me To Infinity [Gladis & Smolcat]

[Gladis]

 

 

Name:

Navid

 

Age:

24

 

Gender:

Male

 

Sexuality:

Pansexual

 

Race:

Human

 

Home Planet:

Osiris

 

Occupation:

Conman

 

History:

Born in the slums of the desert planet Osiris, Navid’s childhood was anything but easy. He never knew his father, and his memories of his mother are vague at best, as she passed away when he was still very young. As such he and his older sister Aisha spent a large chunk of their childhood under the care of their uncle Darius and his family.

 

Misery and abuse was a constant part of their everyday life, and the closest Navid ever got to a formal education was Aisha’s homeschooling. She taught him how to read and basic counting, although beyond what she could give him was very limited. Especially since one of the requirements Darius had made for letting Aisha and Navid stay with their relatives, was that they earned their keep. Between spending her nights and evenings in the pleasure district, and tending to the domestic chores at home, there was little time left for anything else. Meanwhile Navid was sent away to work at one of the local factories, when he was no more than nine years old.

 

If either of them failed to meet the earnings quota their uncle had set for the day, as punishment they both had to spend the night on the street. Yet the work at the factory was hard and gruelling, and the payment he received for it meager. As such it didn’t take long for Navid to start looking for alternative ways to make money. Mainly through thievery, trickery and deceit.

 

Although the time with their relatives was rough – at least they had each other. That was, until shortly after Aisha’s sixteenth birthday, a couple of well dressed men showed up at their uncle’s house, informing them that a certain very rich and influential gentleman had fallen in love with her stage performances, and now wished to add her to his harem of concubines. Naturally, the family would be generously compensated for the trouble.

 

Whether Aisha actually willingly chose to go along with the wishes of her relatives or not didn’t matter; Navid never forgave his uncle for selling his own flesh and blood to some rich upper class asshole, simply because they asked for it. To him that was the ultimate betrayal, and although he was powerless to do anything about it at the time, he sure as hell wasn’t just going to keep serving that monster like nothing had happened.

 

And so, at thirteen years of age, he simply packed his few belongings and ran away.

 

Life on the streets was hard, but Navid was used to hardship, and he had already developed most of the skills he needed to survive. A charming face and silver tongue was more than enough to carry him through the day, and as the years went by, his plans and schemes became ever more elaborate. Many would say that he saw great success in his line of work.

 

That is to say, until one day his less than honest behavior led him to step on the wrong toes.

 

Oops.

Ah, the wondrous desert planet of Osiris; a sparkling paradise of leisure and debauchery if you had the connection and coin to get you into its inner circles, and a stinking shithole of poverty and lawlessness for everyone else. For a slum dweller like Navid, learning how to navigate this den of snakes had been a matter of survival. Prostitution, thievery and murder – any method that would get you through the day was considered a good one. Navid himself had veered onto the path of trickery and deceit, and as a conman he’d done quite well for himself. He was by no means a rich man, but considering he wasn’t starving, ridden with disease or had to spend the freezing desert nights on the streets – he was doing pretty damn well.

 

Except, this time around he might have bitten off a bit more than he could chew. On Osiris, pissing off the wrong person could equal a death sentence, and if there was one person you did not want to piss off it was Mozul’s – the biggest, baddest and meanest of them all. He was neither king nor ruler – a gangster at best, and yet he held the planet firmly in the palm of his hand. Every inhabitant on Osiris looked upon him with fear and respect – only an idiot would ever think to cross him. And as it turned out, Navid might have been one such idiot.

 

Of course, he hadn’t intended to get on good old Mozul’s bad side. It was an accident. Not like he could have known that hot but kind of dumb chick who’d totally been the one to start flirting with Navid, was the godfather’s goddamn niece herself. Or that she’d go crying to her uncle as soon as she realized her bank account her been completely out. Any idiot dumb enough to attempt pulling off that kind of daring feat would have left the planet immediately after finding out, and that was exactly what Navid had intended to do. There was only one little issue – they got to him first. You see, the very moment he’d set foot on the docks, a bunch of angry looking, gun toting men in armor had shown up to take him away. Terribly outnumbered and completely surrounded, there was little he could have done but follow along like a good little prisoner.

 

Now, you would think that on a popular tourist destination for rich scum from all across the galaxy, which prided itself on its sparkling high rises and flashing neon lights, stuffy old dungeons would have gone out of fashion. Except… if that’s what you were thinking, I’m sorry to tell you that you would have been terribly mistaken, because that was exactly the sort of establishment Navid found himself getting thrown into a couple of hours later, letting out a string of curses as he fell forwards into the cell.

 

”The fuck was that supposed to be good for?!” He snapped, turning around to glare up at the armed guard vehemently. Yet all that got him in return was a cruel grin and a jeering remark.

 

”Oh, itti-bitti Navi don’t like it rough? Should’a thought of that before ya’ decided to screw over the boss’ nice, eh’?”

 

“Fuck off, Khadim! I have no need for your moronic words of wisdom.”

 

“Don’t worry, I was planning to. Wouldn’t want to look at your ugly mug any longer than I have to! The guys really did a number on ya’, didn’t they?” He laughed as he slammed the door shut.

 

Navid would have liked to punch the guy, but with his hands firmly tied behind his back, that would be difficult. Especially now that there was also a door between them. Even so he managed to get back on his feet, angrily kicking the bars with all the strength he could muster, only to gasp and cringe in pain a moment later. That… was probably not the smartest thing he could have done.

 

“At least I’m not permanently ugly like you!” he retorted, but by then Khadim’s laughter had already faded far into the distance.

 

"Fucking mooba turd!" Navid spat as he sunk back down onto the floor. "Fuck!" He groaned, "Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!" Tears he refused to shed burned in his eyes, and his chest kept heaving and falling rapidly. His entire body ached, and many of the gashes on his back were still weeping. His lip was cracked and swollen, there was still a faint ringing noise in his ears, and nose had to be broken for sure. As the adrenaline began to wear off, he found himself feeling increasingly sick and dizzy. Nevermind the fact that he knew he had gotten himself into a huge, stinking pile of crap, that for once, he knew he would not be able to simply talk himself out of. And the worst part of it all? It was only then that he realized he was not alone.

 

Squinting against the bright daylight that streamed through the small window in the wall, he could make out a vaguely human-like shape in the other corner of the cell. Navid scowled.

 

"The fuck are you looking at?"

[smolcat]

 

 

Prince Adonis and his personal servant, Even.

 

Name: Adonis L. Fitzergald II

Age: 20

Gender: Male

Sexuality: Demisexual

Race: Veranian

Home Planet: Ceirinath

Occupation: Prince

 

History:

 

Born into royalty, Prince Adonis did not know a life of poverty or hardship growing up. He was promised the world since childhood, but, being the eldest heir to the throne, that life of privilege came many responsibilities. Although it perhaps looked different from the life of a warrior or thief, Adonis's life presented him with many challenges, and the many dark realities that lurked behind the pleasant faces of the royal family became a strikingly clear reality to him even in his childhood.

 

Political strife, conflict with other nations, managing one's own empire and learning all the ins and outs of rulership, from not only diplomatic standpoints, societal expectations, being well educated and possessing many other talents, and military experience, but even the lesser known realities a member of the royal family had to face. Struggles and drama in their own family, never having privacy, having to always think of others and one's nation first before getting to relish in any selfish pleasures, political duties, facing up to the high expectations set upon you by your own parents--who often shot higher than the stars, and... the dangers, too.

 

When Adonis was five years old, his father, the the Adehelm Emperor, had been assassinated.

 

The Empress had not been attacked at this time, and continued to reign in the stead of her late husband, but it was at this time that Prince Adonis learned the lavish life of royalty was not always as beautiful as less fortunate people thought it was.

 

Other Information: Adonis is Veranian, a dying race on the planet Ceirinath. Although he still has not gone through the coronation ceremony to take proper claim of his empire, Adonis cares deeply for his people and his land, knowing that his race and culture, although peaceful and good-natured, are often targeted due to not only their unique abilities, but also because of their apparent weaknesses. Veranians are said to be blessed by their main deity, Goddess Delonia, and were gifted with the ability of clairvoyance--albeit at a terrible price. Not only are they sought after for this power, it is said that Veranians also contain life essence that, when consumed or absorbed, can grant another person eternal--not invincible--life. However, if one wishes to receive this power from a Veranian, the veranian, in turn, loses their life. Although Adehelm has done an excellent job at protecting this race from extinction and being hunted, it is a deep fear rooted in the heart of every veranian, planted there through extensive historical lessons and stories. Thankfully, however, outside of the planet Ceirinath, other races remain relatively unaware of this secret about the veranian race. Most who know anything about the veranians know that they have silver hair, are blessed with the power of clairvoyance, and do not die of old age.

 

Additional Notes: Adonis has a younger twin brother, Cassius. While it is expected of Adonis to become the next ruler of Ceirinath, Cassius was also brought up with his own set of expectations and predestination. Cassius, however, seems not to care as deeply for his nation, and shows a lack of discipline and general interest in responsibility or rulership. Although brought up almost the same way as Adonis, Cassius is a bit more of a troublemaker. Disregarding their race's religious beliefs, living frivolously and however he pleases, Cassius divulges in as many pleasures of the world as his status and wealth allows him to. However, being a bit rash, rude, arrogant, and foolish, Cassius also has a tendency to get on peoples' bad sides, get into far more trouble than would be expected of a prince, and get involved in more shady business than he probably ought to...

 

 

 

The stone floor was mottled with blood and filth, the surface cold to the touch. Adonis was eerily still from where he was sitting, back nestled comfortably in the corner with one arm propped up on his knee. His breathing was almost silent, and despite the occasional shouts and growls of other prisoners, the silver-haired man didn't add any noise to the environment.

 

His clothing, equipment, weapons, and other belongings had been confiscated from him upon his capture, and the young prince felt naked without his armor or shoes. What clothing he had been left with, however, had been torn and dirtied. The cuff of one sleeve was entirely drenched in blood as Adonis pressed the fabric against his forehead--hoping to stop the steady flow of blood that was gushing from his injury there. The other sleeve of his shirt was hardly any better--having been ripped from the elbow down, the strips then used to wrap another deep gash that decorated his right arm--just beneath his shoulder. Aside from that, however, the young man was relatively intact.

 

He didn't know for how long he'd been knocked out, but upon his wakening, Adonis was conscious that he'd been imprisoned here for only a few hours. He'd been taken in the night, and it seemed that whatever method of travel they'd used to transfer him here from his home planet, it must have been extremely effective. After all, his injuries hadn't even properly closed up yet, so it couldn't have been more than a couple of days.

 

Adonis continued to stay put in his corner, though his attention snapped onto the new prisoner who was being brought in. Yelling and cursing in a different language, and speaking to the guards in an understandably enraged tone. Adonis had studied fifteen different dialects in his youth, and he fully understood what was being said. However, he made no effort to speak up and put in his own two cents.

 

When the dark-haired man was tossed into the cell, the prince's eyes flickered over to the guard and for a moment--for a brief, shining moment--he considered attacking the guard. Making any attempt to escape, but... without his equipment, he knew he didn't stand a chance against the other male. And, he feared, it would only make things worse.

 

So, when the prison door was slammed shut and locked once more, Adonis made no movement to rebel. Instead, his attention was now fixed on his new prison mate...

 

He hadn't been expecting someone else to share the same cell as him, and so soon at that. Caution and fear edged up into his muscles and he stayed perfectly still, not wishing to make any sudden movements toward the apparently hostile individual. He was unsure if the man would lash out at him with violence in a bout of his rage, and Adonis had no reason to believe that the other male wasn't dangerous. And so, he stayed there in his corner, watching, listening, and trying to read this guy as well as he could...

 

"The fuck you looking at?" the brash voice suddenly called out, and Adonis averted his gaze, turning his attention away from the other male and locking it onto the furthest wall. Perhaps eye contact could be seen as aggressive body language, and Adonis had no intent to get into a fight right now. He had no interest in this man.

 

There's nobody else in this cell, you were causing a fuss and shouting loudly, and of course as a newcomer I'm bound to put my attention on you, what do you presume I'm looking at? Adonis thought. "Guess," he said simply. He cast another glance at the heavily battered man, unsure if perhaps his curt response would put the other more on edge. He hoped not. "I am Adonis." He recalled the guard calling the man by name, and it seemed that the two had known each-other previously, but still... "I will allow you to properly introduce yourself, as well." He'd give the other man a chance to give his name, not wishing to assume his title. For all Adonis knew, "Navi" was an insult and not a name at all. Besides, it was in his custom to know the name of every person he shared the presence of, as well as to properly introduce himself as well. Even though the two were in jail, it still seemed the proper thing to do.

[Gladis]

Oh great -- more privileged snobs. As though my day wasn’t terrible enough already! Fuck my life.

 

By the way Adonis talked and carried himself alone, Navid could tell that the guy wasn’t from the slums. He looked too pretty, too clean, too unblemished -- despite his currently disheveled state, to have grown up under any such circumstances. In fact, judging by his fairly noticeable accent, he wasn’t even Osirian. That could only mean one of two things -- he was either someone very important -- important enough to warrant a kidnapping, or he’d somehow managed to royally piss off the leaders of this entire stinking operation.

 

In the case of the latter, Navid could only surmise that the guy had to be a full blown idiot.

 

He didn’t look like a full blown idiot, though. That meant he was probably important. Important people were good. They could be lucrative opportunities if you played your cards right. If not for the fact that Navid was essentially awaiting his death sentence, he would have rejoiced. Now he scowled at the idea of sharing the last few days of his life with the kind of person he could stand the least.

 

“You allow me to introduce myself,” He repeated in a disgruntled huff, “You know, you can stick your permission where the sun doesn’t shine, pretty boy.” As he spoke, Navid began to work on his restraints. He’d always been good at slipping out of these things. “‘Sides, what’s it matter if you know my name? In a couple of days I’ll be dead and forgotten anyway.” The rope fell to the floor. Rubbing his sore wrists, he turned his back on the blue eyed kid and laid down on his side. Couldn’t lay on his back, too painful. The stone floor was hard and uncomfortable, but at least it was warm -- courtesy of the sun. “That’s just how things work around here.”

 

Navid felt exhausted. He just wanted to sleep, wake up and realize this had all just been a terrible nightmare. Yet he knew full and well this wasn’t a dream. The hard stone floor was as real as the burning whip marks on his back. If only he’d thought twice about pulling that stunt. If only he’d realized how badly he had fucked up in time...

 

“Now please let me suffer in peace.”

 

After that Navid must have nodded off, because when he woke up again it seemed several hours had passed. It was dark outside. The cell was dark too, barring the sliver of moonlight that filtered through the window. Could it really be called a window? It was more like a tiny gap in the upper section of the wall. Somewhere further down the corridor another prisoner was humming terribly off tune. Navid could tell that it was prisoner because a moment later a very angry sounding guard banged on his metal bars, bellowing for him to shut up.

 

Navid groaned. Whereas before it had been almost unbearably hot, the temperature was now beginning to drop rather, and quicckly. That’s deserts for you -- Hot days, cold nights. It’s terrible, really. Shivering, he drew himself into a sitting position, casting a curious glance in the direction of his cellmate.

 

“Hey, pretty boy-” he called, although very quietly as not to attract the attention of the prison guards. “You awake?”

 

Now that he’d slept off most of the exhaustion, Navid was back on high alert. His mind had already begun to construct an escape plan, but for it to work, he’d need his cellmates cooperation. Unfortunately. Navid wasn’t particularly fond of relying on other people. Especially when said people were snot nosed noble brats.

[smolcat]

Adonis was quiet for a moment when the other man quickly retorted, venom on his tongue as he seemed to get the entirely wrong idea. The young prince looked at him, cautiously, as the other began working at the ropes around his wrists, weaseling his way out of them more effectively than Adonis could ever have hoped to. If he'd had his knife or sword with him, perhaps he could have escaped his binds, but without such tools, Adonis was as weak a victim against the restraints as the next helpless prisoner. Even so, he supposed it didn't matter if his hands were tied or not. It wasn't like he'd be able to escape under these conditions, anyway.

 

He stayed put, his body still as he didn't make any effort to advance towards the other male. "Well... Where I am from, even if I cannot perhaps remember every person I meet, I try to at least recognize everyone's presence. I think everyone deserves at least that much." He paused. "And I figured it would be more polite to ask you, yourself, for your name, rather than assume and get it from someone else. After all, you know who you are better than anyone else could. I had only meant to give you the opportunity to do so, rather than stealing your chance by immediately assuming your identity. That is all." He hadn't meant to sound like an arrogant prick, or whatever the other male thought of him. But, he supposed it didn't matter what the other thought of him at all.

 

The tan-skinned man laid down on his side, mindful of the injuries that littered his back and skin, and Adonis exhaled softly. "Very well. If that's what you wish," he said quietly, leaving the other male alone. He could understand the desire to sulk alone, and that wasn't a right Adonis was going to deprive him of.

 

The other male quieted down, his breathing steadying and growing quiet as he seemed to slip into some form of sleep. Perhaps not fully relaxed, but at least receiving some likely needed rest. Adonis had no desire to wake him, and instead moved his attention back onto the far wall fixed in front of him. His gleaming blue eyes taking in the detail of every stone brick, every dirtied hand print that marked the passing of earlier prisoners. Adonis wondered if he'd become just another bloodied mark on the wall. Another person lost, forgotten, with the only proof of their existence a mere stain left behind.

 

He exhaled quietly, gently pressing the back of his head against the wall, closing his eyes in defeat. He didn't know why he was here. He had a hunch and, if he was correct... he was going to be killed for an offence he hadn't committed. But, perhaps this was all a big misunderstanding, but even if he was here for another reason, he knew it couldn't be good. As he tossed the ideas and theories around in his mind, he had a feeling that he wasn't here to be held for ransom, which meant that his hours left in the world of the living were numbered.

 

Hours passed before Adonis's cell-mate finally stirred, finally waking up from his nap. The silver-haired male heard the shifting of fabric against stone as the other sat upright, and the prince remained silent. He hadn't moved from his earlier position, and was still curled up in the corner, the only difference being that now he took shaky, frozen breaths and his eyes were closed tight in concentration. It was a few moments before Adonis heard the other man speak up in a hushed tone, trying to get his attention.

 

Adonis had been almost completely hidden in the shadows of the midnight's darkness, what little moonlight did get into the cell couldn't touch the furthest corners and offered little assistance. However, when Adonis cast a glance at his fellow prisoner, it would be enough of an answer. Bright blue eyes were luminescent against the darkness, casting an inhuman vibe about the fair-skinned prisoner. "Yes," he whispered. "What is it, stranger?"

[Gladis]

Okay. Either I hit my head really hard, I’m dreaming, or that dude’s eyes are sort of glowing. Eyes aren’t supposed to glow, are they? Are you about to explode? You better not be about to explode. I don’t like people that explode.

 

Needless to say, the glowy eyes did very little to set Navid at ease. He may have been annoyed before, but he was certainly mildly freaked out now. Not that Adonis would have been able to tell by the way Navid simply rolled his eyes and folded his arms across his chest.

 

“Wow, very impressive. Here I give you the opportunity to call me whatever you like; dog, swine, cunt -- handsome, and you settle for ‘stranger’. I can tell that you put a lot of thought into your choices of nicknames. Let me guess: your servants are ‘Retainer 1’ and ‘Retainer 2’.”

 

Okay, so maybe this wasn’t the most appropriate time to quip about nicknames, but Navid couldn’t help it. Humor is an excellent way to make even the grimmest of situations more bearable. Even if the humor is really bad, and at the expense of glowy-eyed sticks in the mud. So far Adonis hadn’t just given the impression of being a stuck up prick, but an overly polite stuck up prick. Those are the worst kinds of stuck up pricks, since they have a tendency of putting themselves on a pedestal without even realizing it. ’Oh look at me, I’m so benevolent and kindhearted, I’m even going to ask you your name. That makes insignificant dirt like you feel important, right?’

 

No thank you, Alien-Jesus. I never asked for that.

 

“Alright, so I’m thinking we should-”

 

Suddenly someone further down the corridor burst into baritone tears. At first he figured it was one of the prisoners, but then he realized that if it was, someone would probably have told them to shut up by now. Curiously Navid shuffled over to the edge of their cell, peering through the bars to get a better look at what was going on. There at the end of the corridor, on a tiny stool, was their burly, heavily armored guard, hunched over a rectangular object that shed a bright, bluish light over his tear stricken face. He was sobbing profusely.

 

“That the bearded fat guy?” Sounded a voice from the opposite cell. It was too dark for Navid to see what they looked like, but they sounded male.

 

“Mhm.” Navid confirmed, nodding his head despite knowing full and well that the other couldn’t see him.

 

“Rauf. He’s probably watching one of his soap operas. He always cries when he watches his soap operas.”

 

“I… see.” That… was definitely more information than Navid had asked for. The good news was that since their guard was distracted, at least for the time being, they could talk without having to worry about being overheard. Well, by their guard, anyway. Their fellow prisoner that at the time seemed more like a disembodied voice was clearly very keen on eavesdropping. It felt weird, to have your sense of privacy infringed upon by a disembodied voice.

 

“You plannin’ to bust outta here?” Asked the disembodied voice.

 

“Never said that.”

 

“You were about to.”

 

There was a long, slightly awkward moment of silence. Then the disembodied voice spoke again.

 

“Want a word of advice?”

 

“Depends.” Navid replied. The disembodied voice seemed to take that as a ‘yes’.

 

“In a couple of days, Mozul will be hosting a big celebration. I hear he’ll even be receiving special guests all the way from Ceirinath, so it’s definitely going to be a huge deal.”

 

“Ooh, fancy.” Navid clapped his hands, his voice dripping with bitter sarcasm. “Rich people get to have big parties. You don’t fucking say. I don’t see how that’s supposed to help me, though.” Navid could swear that he heard the disembodied voice sigh.

 

“Kid… do I really need to spell it out to you?”

 

Navid’s silence might as well have been an affirmation. That was how the disembodied voice seemed to interpret it, anyway.

 

“A big party,” he said slowly, almost as though he was addressing a very young, very stupid child. Navid didn’t like that. What a rude disembodied voice. “Means a greater need for security, which in turn-”

 

“Oh-” Suddenly, as though someone had flipped a switch, his expression went from one of confusion to one of understanding. He slowly nodded his head. “Oh, I get it.”

 

“Good boy!” Cooed the voice, not any less demeaning than it had been before.

 

Navid narrowed his eyes. “Dude, no need to be an asshole about it. If someone had wacked you a couple of times over the head, you’d be pretty out of it too.”

 

The voice just scoffed.

 

“‘Sides,” continued Navid, “how do you know there’s gonna be a party anyway? And why are you telling me this?”

 

There was a brief pause before the voice spoke again, as though he needed some time to contemplate his answer. “Let’s just say… I have my sources.” He said, not at all ominously.

 

“I don’t trust disembodied voices with sources.”

 

“Disembodied vo- what? Nevermind. Kid… I’m pretty sure you’re the kind of person who doesn’t trust anyone.”

 

Navid took a moment to think about that, before nodding his head. “Good point.” He agreed, “Alright, but you still haven’t answered my second question. Why are you telling me this?”

 

The voice sighed, long and deep.

 

“Because I want out of here too, and I’ll need you two to help me. You hear that, laser eyes? Get over here so I don’t have to yell.” The apparently-not-disembodied disembodied voice commanded. “The fat oaf may be distracted by the fast-food of television, but we probably shouldn’t be pushing our luck. And kid?” Navid had the distinct feeling that the last sentence was directed at him. “Untie the poor lad. You know as well as I do that it’s proper criminal etiquette to help out a cellmate in need. Done? Good. Okay, so here’s what we’re going to do...”

[smolcat]

The prince raised an eyebrow. Exactly what kind of man did this person take Adonis for? 'Retainer 1' and 'Retainer 2'? Of course he didn't call his servants and aids by such things. Even, Madeline, Aeva, I call them by their names, obviously. It would be incredibly rude to address them by their station and position after they do so much for me. He frowned, slightly. Though, I suppose Cassius prefers not to recall every name and person, and labels them by their status, so... But this man doesn't even know who I am, so really, his statements are completely unwarranted.

 

"Here I give you the opportunity to inform me what you'd like to be called, you refuse to tell me, and then mock me when I address you for who you are to me," Adonis returned. He decided not to scold the other for his rude and inaccurate comments on Adonis's character, but still nonetheless pointed out the invalidity of his complaint.

 

And yet, as the other spoke up, Adonis couldn't help but to think about how ridiculous this all was. This man spoke to Adonis in such a crass way, assumed, mocked, and demeaned him, and then two seconds later suggested that "we should". There was no "we", as far as Adonis knew. They were both stuck here, and there was nothing that they would be able to do to escape. Neither of them knew the layout of the prison, neither of them had any way to open the door, and neither were armed and capable of taking down an armored guard. What did this stranger think that "they" could do? They were no team preparing to escape, because there was no escape and, clearly, Adonis had gotten on this person's bad side from merely existing. "Teams" could accomplish nothing if there was no unity, that was one of the earliest truths Adonis had ever learned. So he really didn't know what this person was hoping to accomplish, but Adonis doubted it would work.

 

However, it seemed that the stranger was distracted soon enough when a loud sobbing noise erupted from the end of the hall, and Adonis's cell mate moved over to investigate. The prince didn't care enough to move even an inch, and stayed put.

 

Another voice spoke up--belonging to the prisoner who'd been locked in the cell just across from the hallway. Both he and the man from Adonis's cell began to converse, chit-chatting about the guard, and then the man in the opposing cell asked whether or not they planned to escape. It seems like a futile attempt to make, Adonis thought, keeping his comments to himself.

 

However, the prince's attention piqued when his home planet was mentioned, and his gaze immediately locked onto the darkness from across the way. Ceirinath? he repeated mentally. Out of all the nations in Ceirinath, Adehelm is one of the most prosperous, being the most powerful empire in the planet. But... He frowned, slightly. The Adehelm Empire has nothing to do with Osiris, that I know of. Perhaps it is another nation that has business here... Adonis bit his lip, bowing his head and locking his eyes back onto the floor. Then again, I know Cassius, being the fool that he is, likes to travel all around the universe... It's a long shot, but, just maybe...

 

And if this party was supposed to be grand, perhaps there was a chance to escape, after all... Which, if Adonis could get out of here, and if someone from his nation was on this planet... Perhaps he could escape, after all.

 

Adonis glanced across the way once more when he was called out by the other. He rose to his feet and quietly walked over to the edge of the cell, gently placing his hands on one of the bars. He was about to say something when the man from across the way ordered Adonis's cell mate to untie his hands, and a look of surprise crossed the prince's face. He doubted it really mattered whether or not his hands were tied--once he got to his belongings, he could cut the rope, anyhow, and... Well, he would be surprised if his his cell-mate even agreed to do it. He almost wanted to reject the idea and insist that it was fine and he didn't need his hands untied, but...

 

Well, he did want to be able to move more freely.

 

"Er... thank you," he said quietly to his cell mate, should he actually assist the prince in releasing his hands. Returning his attention back to the other male from across the way, Adonis spoke softly, "I don't mean to interrupt, but... Would you happen to know who this party is being thrown for? I don't know who your source is, or how much they know or shared with you, but... You wouldn't happen to know if, by chance, Prince Cassius from the Adehelm Empire will be attending, would you...? Also, may I know your name? If we're going to be working with one-another, I'd prefer if we not be complete strangers..." It would seem that was just the way Adonis was... "And, I don't know if it would mean anything to you, but... If we do manage to escape, I had my things taken from me when I was captured. I would not expect you to assist me after we're out of these cells, but if you did wish to accompany me... I plan to retrieve my belongings. Armor, and my weapons among them... I could be of much more aid when better equipped and suited for a fight, should we come across any further trouble."

 

He didn't have any spare equipment to offer, but if at least one of the three of them was armed, it would increase their chances of successful escape. Of course, though, if the other two abandoned him as soon as the doors were open, Adonis would not hold it against them, and he'd seek out his equipment on his own.

[Gladis]

Navid hesitated, but only briefly before doing as he was told. His fingers worked fluidly, untying the rope that bound the blue eyed youth with practiced ease. Meanwhile the disembodied voice seemed to be pondering Adonis’ question.

 

“Hmm… I don’t know.” He admitted. “Something about the birthday party. Maybe his son. I remember sons being mentioned. Or was it his brother? Perhaps there’s a chance it was his-”

 

“I don’t think the who really matters.” Navid pointed out, only somewhat impatiently. Then he paused, casting a curious glance in Adonis direction. What was it to him if a certain Prince Cassius attended the party? Unless, of course, he knew the guy. Now wouldn’t that be quite something? Navid had figured that Adonis was important, but he hadn’t realized that he was quite possibly sitting right next to a treasure trove. Well, he would certainly keep this new little piece of information in mind for later. Provided they made it out alive, that was. Navid still had his doubts.

 

“Bother you!” Snapped the voice, and Navid imagined that he was scowling. However a disembodied voice can scowl. “I-” the voice stopped, as though he had just suddenly realized something. “Kid, you said your name was Adonis? Adonis like prince Adonis?” And then, before the supposed prince had a chance to answer he exclaimed. “Oh gee, I thought I recognized you from somewhere! I have your trading card -- mint condition and every-”

 

“Let me get this straight.” Navid said slowly, as though he couldn’t quite believe what he’d just heard. “The royal family of Adehelm have trading cards?” That, was a fact even more shocking than the knowledge that he was quite possibly sharing a cell with royalty, apparently.

 

“And action figures!”

 

“And action figures…” Navid trailed off, his expression ridden with disbelief as he tugged his hand through his messy brown hair, very clearly thinking: What the fuck has this world come to?

 

“Dude!” Protested the voice, almost as though he could read his thoughts. “Anyone who is something has trading cards and action figures! It’s the ultimate proof of success!”

 

“…” Nope. This was not what he had signed up for when he was dragged off by the guards. Mean prison guards, torture, even death -- sure, but talking to a disembodied voice about trading cards and action figures was definitely something he could’ve been without.

 

“Ah…” the voice sighed wistfully, “it’s totally my dream to become a famous hero and have my beautiful face plastered across collectible, rectangular little pieces of carton all over the galaxy!”

 

“Right.” Navid tried very hard to imagine what a trading card for a disembodied voice would look like. “His majesty asked for your name. It would be rude not to answer.” He said majesty like someone might say something unpleasant, like mosquito, or homework. And yes, he was definitely being hypocritical. Navid couldn’t have cared less, and the disembodied voice didn’t seem to notice.

 

“So true!” he agreed, sounding both agitated and flustered as he bubbled on, “ah, if only I’d known I’d be meeting royal-”

 

“Your name.” Navid demanded, impatience seeping into his voice.

 

“My name is Octavius but you can call me Otto!” The voice cheerfully introduced himself, seemingly completely having changed his attitude once he found out that he was dealing with royalty. Or, royalty whose picture he happened to own in the form of a trading card, to be more precise. “That’s what the captain calls me! And no worries, Sir! Of course we’ll help you get your stuff back!”

 

Navid snorted, folding his arms across his chest. “... not to be a party pooper, guys, but… Adonis, do you even know where your stuff is?”

[smolcat]

Ah, a birthday party... So, most likely, Cassius isn't involved in any way, then, Adonis mused. He knew it would be a long shot, so he couldn't be too disappointed that his brother wouldn't be present. Besides, even if somehow he was there, it probably wouldn't be the wisest thing to barge into some sort of celebration being hosted by the man that had kidnapped him. Kidnapped... he supposed that that's what had happened, right?

 

Adonis frowned slightly, placing one hand on his chin as he dwelled on it for a short while. He supposed there was still a chance he was paying the price for something stupid his twin had done, but... it wasn't the only reason he could be here, he supposed. He probably hadn't been taken for the sake of ransom--that would have been an incredibly foolish move on Mozul's part--but, still. He could have been kidnapped for several other reasons, he supposed. I am veranian, after all... the prince audibly gasped, and he was grateful the darkness probably masked the fear displayed on his face. Do you think... is it possible he knows? Have I been brought here to be used as some sort of sacrifice? Am I to be killed for my life essence? No, that... that can't be it. Why me? I mean, surely others will be looking for me. I know Even wouldn't rest until I'm found, so, why would Mozul target the high prince of the Adehelm Empire...? I don't... I don't understand why I was brought here...

"Hm?" Adonis hummed, looking up at the void from across the hallway when he heard his name called. The other prisoner began to ramble a bit, questioning the prince's identity in an excited huff of words. It would probably be safer to not reveal my imperial status, but neither do I wish to lie. I must stay true to myself and be a man of my word, regardless if it benefits me or not, the prince thought before nodding slowly and rubbed his chin methodically. "Yes... that... would be correct..." But his words were immediately drowned beneath the excitement of the other as he quickly began to ramble about--what? Trading cards?

 

Adonis raised an eyebrow and cocked his head to the side, slightly. Trading cards? Has Adehelm traded with this man, before? If he's a traveling merchant, then I suppose perhaps-- his train of thought was immediately derailed when his cell mate spoke up in question of the subject, and what he said only further confused the prince.

 

And action figures? Wait, those are toys, aren't they? Adonis blinked, his hand moving from his chin to cover his mouth. Oh, I see. So trading cards must be something else of similar nature. A sort of toy or game. Cards that one collects and trades... I see now... "Oh...?" he questioned in a soft voice. Ultimate proof of success? he only grew further confused by what the other was saying. Why would a trading card dictate that? Would not the wealth, victory, and prosperity of one's domain be enough testament to their success? Besides, I've not yet taken my role as emperor yet, so I may have been born into imperialism but it's not as if I've ever actually accomplished anything of any significance yet. I've not guided my soldiers into war, or assisted my people into political prosperity, diffused any disputes or offered aid to any allies, lead my empire with wisdom for years and years, I've not yet been married or raised any children... What exactly makes me a success, then? "I'm not so sure about that..." the prince spoke softly.

 

He sighed and ran his fingers tenderly through his silver locks, eyes falling on the floor. It wasn't that he wasn't used to words of praise and adoration, in fact he was completely used to it. But they seemed shallow--hollow and without any genuine worth. Spouted by people who were blinded by admiration, seeing nothing but wealth, status, and power. How quickly this person had shifted from speaking to Adonis and his cell mate as if they were anyone else, to practically drooling like a happy dog once Adonis's position was revealed was enough testament to that. There wasn't anything wrong with being excited, and Adonis understood that getting to meet the prince probably meant quite a lot to this individual, but still...

 

It's annoying.

 

Regardless, Adonis kept a pleasant demeanor about himself. Not cutting off the stranger or shifting his attitude into something of annoyance. After all, this person was still of value, and Adonis would certainly not crush any of his hopes or dreams by behaving rudely to him... even if he was probably the prince's least favorite type of person. A prince was supposed to be kind, benevolent, and pleasant at all times, after all. Even when in the company of some of the most foul of individuals... and this other man seemed far from despicable, so he didn't deserve any sudden rash or rude behavior.

 

We are getting terribly off-track, though, he thought. However, Adonis would glance over to his cell mate when the brunette spoke up, addressing the other prisoner and pointing out how he hadn't given his name yet, despite the request to do so. Adonis smiled, slightly, at the irony. Especially considering he'd been so set on not offering up his own name, but bluntly reminded the other to give his. The prince hardly seemed fazed by the other's attitude, though.

 

"Otto..." Adonis tried the name on his tongue, and nodded. Placing one hand on his chest, he bowed--slightly--and said, "Well, Otto, it is a pleasure to meet you." Adonis stood upright again and returned his hand to his chin. Captain? Otto either has military background, or perhaps is part of a crew from a ship of some sort? Hm... I wonder what he did to end up here... he glanced at his cell mate. And him, too, for that matter... Though I suppose I'm most curious to know what I did wrong...

 

"'We'..?" Adonis repeated, slowly, an eyebrow arched slightly. He seemed so eager to throw the other man into the mix. Despite how, from what Adonis could tell, the other having absolutely no desire to further involve himself with the prince. He seemed much more likely to dash as soon as the door were opened.

 

The silver-haired man glanced at his cell mate when the other spoke up, and a bit of embarrassment rose to his cheeks. "I admit I don't," Adonis said shamefully. "I figured that they likely stored it away somewhere here. Would you, by chance, have any idea where they might have taken my things...? If you did agree to help me, it would be deeply appreciated, and I would do what I could to assist you in turn." Admittedly, it was a bit strange to hear the other man address him by his name, especially after he'd previously insisted on calling him "pretty boy". Adonis would take a moment before then adding, "Also, you seemed to have some sort of plot to escape, before, did you not? Would you mind sharing what that was?" He glanced over across the hallway to look at the shadowy figure there on the other side. "And you as well, Otto. Both of your ideas, I'd like to hear them if you didn't mind..."

 

The more plans for escape they had, the better.