[ why did i create the mpreg post first, i'll comment there too
the political sphere within the alore galaxy has been tense since the rising of a new empress of the empire. not that it was any better with the former emperor at its helm, but that it was generally a time of more civil unrest. where the tides could easily turn to one faction over another as easy as a drop of the hat, and perhaps within that... the sanctide court comes across as an easier target. they're not known for their armies, except for borrowed power, and while the santarch is said to possess a mysterious ability, no one appears to know a lot about it. besides, who would take a group of perceived fanatics and their blind devotion seriously?
maybe that's why he shouldn't be especially surprised when khaosi suddenly decides to turn its fangs on the court as opposed to the empire or the federation. what he doesn't expect is a whole fleet laying in wait for him, using the guise of the recent completion of the tideprayer to strike.
honestly, even if it's an absolute mess, rafayel still keeps his composure. if anything, he can only lament his lack of making connections quick enough. who knew killing the former emperor was barely step one... and rafayel didn't have the means to steal the empire's manpower fast enough. a miscalculation on his in spite of the ensuing chaos, rafayel is almost leisure in the way he stalks about the back halls, leading towards the garden. maybe he can make it to the escape pod...
if he can forgo the foray of bullets and the explosions... sylus help. ]
[ If there's one thing about a change in power with as much reach and influence as the emperor of the Cosmic Empire, it's that it certainly makes things interesting. Sylus had been keeping his eyes on the shifting dynamics, curious to see how he could use the new empress to his own advantage, but... he supposes that he should've kept his gaze a little closer to home.
While he doesn't lack confidence in his abilities, or those of the Khaosi military, the attack on the Sanctide Court is premature. Relations are strained after the execution of the previous emperor, but technically the court is a close friend of the Empire, and making such bold moves against them—when he has no doubt the Empire wants to use them to seize more authority for themselves, eventually—is going to pull them into a large conflict, too soon and with too little preparation.
But then again, Zynlai had always been overzealous. Or at least, that's what Sylus hopes is the case. It'd be even more pathetic if he thinks that he's brokered some kind of deal that would accomplish anything other than making himself into the Empire's pawn.
Regardless, the easiest way to steal this victory from him—even if he does overwhelm the Court with military force—is to snatch the Santarch from under his nose, before he manages to take him prisoner.
The hallway he's currently explodes in a flash of blinding light when artillery from the battle ships comes sailing down, and as the heat and the light fade, Rafayel will find Sylus standing right in front of him, looking completely unruffled. ]
[ he half-wonders who the actual owner of such a half-baked scheme would be. all the more if they thought they were capable of taking him prisoner anywhere. naturally, he chalks it up to their lack of comprehension of his abilities, and while it’s also true he hasn’t been back to murya to replenish his energy, it’s also true that he wasn’t an easy catch, either.
so when the aircraft’s blaring lights finally dim and he sees a man standing in the center of it (not aura farming), he does naturally stand a little more on guard. his posture corrects itself, and yet he remains poised in a way that would be fitting for the santarch of the sanctide court. naturally, he has to behave in a way that is fitting of not, even when it’s on the cusp of being invaded.
even if it might be all bravado, he gives a dismissive turn of his head. ] Not particularly. Where else would I have to go if not the prayer room? Devotion is hardly cheap.
[ he is then going to try and cautiously go around him.
or at least pretend to, like he’s not dressed in his robes and mask. please no one call him your quintessence… ]
[ Okay, you can say he's aura farming a little. He didn't appear with the flash of light from an explosion, which is pretty cool. Isn't it?
Anyway, he doesn't seem particularly impressed by Rafayel's poise or calm, though, in truth, he is grateful that he isn't panicked or sniveling on the floor. Yes, it means that he likely would've knocked him unconscious and had an otherwise peaceful escape with his unconscious companion, but...
Even though, Sylus doesn't mind a challenge. The path forward being difficult has never deterred him. ]
You intend to be a captain going down with his ship, hm?
[ Turns on his heel when Rafayel starts moving past him, so that he can casually start walking by his side. ]
[ KNOCK HIM OUT??? this is why sylus needs to read the self-improvement books in the sims
maybe it's fortunate that he can remain ~mysterious~ and aloof instead. he has the dignity of the court to uphold, but also maybe more pettily, he also doesn't believe the man in front of him deserves a reaction from him. ] If that is how you choose to interpret my words, who am I stop your intense will? [ but, as much as he enjoys talking around the obvious elephant in the room, he does eventually turn his gaze towards sylus. ] However—
If your intention was to capture me, I am sure you'd have no trouble showing your hand by now. Perhaps, even using the element of surprise to your advantage. Is there a reason you haven't?
[ he says while drawing a hand out, just enough to punctuate the lack of distance between the two of them. ]
[ Well, he doesn't seem particularly mysterious to Sylus. From what he can see, Rafayel is holding it together long enough to find his chance to run. He knows the layout of the building better than Sylus, and getting into a fight is stupid when it would just delay his escape, and allow Khaosi backup to appear.
Not that Sylus has any backup, since the goons running this assault have all bought into Zynlai's foolish plans, but he doubts that Rafayel is aware of Khaosi's inner struggles.
Unless? ]
I thought it would be easier to follow you to your escape pod, and just hijack it rather than making the effort to knock you unconscious and haul you all the way to my own ship.
that said, it wasn't a very complex plan, sure. but, he'd like to believe he had his own abilities to fall back on in a pinch. maybe he just doesn't perceive sylus as that much of a threat as it currently stands; where this confidence comes from... maybe that's the real mystery. he looks over to sylus, and gives a small exhale, like he's already exhausted of hearing him out. or amused. maybe a healthy mix of both? ]
Some would take such words to be impertinent. Perhaps, blasphemous?
[ ... ] Do you believe I would open a seat next to me on this escape pod?
[ Rafayel has only known Sylus for five seconds, and he's already had Enough, which is a very fair response.
He laughs at being called blasphemous, continuing to stride along Rafayel's side like they're two buddies going for a walk. If Rafayel is being stealthy, Sylus isn't: his boots clicking loudly against the marble floor. ]
No, I don't. [ He doesn't think it would be easy, but... That doesn't change the final result.
Regardless, their stroll is cut short when another missile hits the Court, this one thundering into the ground just outside the area of the building that they're currently in, the impact loud enough to be deafening, reverberating through the ground and cracking open the stone underneath.
The wall to their left completely shatters, sending stone cutting through the air in their direction, crumbling steadily upward until it becomes clear that the ceiling is about to start caving in.
Sylus cares less about keeping his balance steady, and more about keeping them together, but he manages to accomplish both when the ground underneath them starts to shatter, reaching out to grab Rafayel's arm with a gloved hand, and pulling them both to somewhat steadier ground. ]
[ he raises an eyebrow a little at sylus' laugh, if just because it's a little unexpected. that said, he barely has the leisure to be bothered by it when it looks like sylus' "friends" have other plans. at least that makes one thing fairly clear...
not everyone allegiances are the same.
or, they really didn't mind the casualties. that said, when the ground cracks, rafayel is still taken slightly off-guard. assassination and brainwashing was his game, not actual frontline warfare. so he stumbles, and it's sylus' hand that keeps his feet firmly planted on the solid platform. that said, he's not used to someone breaching his personal space like this, but he's not ridiculous enough to push him away.
instead, he tugs sylus' hand sharply to follow him. ]
I know a shortcut. Follow me. [ he's already running to allow them some room to leap across the ground as it separates.
as for dodging the debris from the above, well... he'll leave that to sylus. ]
[ Rafayel is really just treating him as his meat shield, I see. Well, he doesn't mind. The falling debris getting thrown to the side before any can reach them, as if the two of them were protected by an invisible barrier; black and red mist nearly invisible in the darkness of the crumbling halls.
He follows after Rafayel without question, even though neither of them really have much reason to trust each other. What he does trust is that Rafayel doesn't intend to die today, and the likelihood of him leading Sylus into a trap is low. He'd be better off just trying to ditch him in all the chaos.
So, for better or for worse, they're in this together.
At least until they reach a clearing and the ground ahead of them cracks clean open...
You know he's going to pick Raf up and yeet him across the growing canyon. YIPPEE. ]
[ yeah, he is meat shield #1. or well, he's the only one. rafayel is a little surprised they didn't deem him enough of a threat to send someone personally. or maybe destroying most of the buildings structure was meant to keep him relatively modest during negotiations.
either way, it's not really important.
what is important could be the fact that he's keeping the most dangerous person of them all at his side. it's true they don't know a lot about one another, aside from what they hear in whispers of rumors, but rafayel figures an introduction is the last thing they need. no, scratch that. being yeeted into the air was the last thing he personally needed. YOU NEED TO STOP DOING THIS SYLUS!!!!
there's a disgruntled noise as he's suddenly weightless. his own eyes glow momentarily as a purple tendril also reaches out and pushes some debris in his path. he's about to use it to grab onto sylus, but he... genuinely lost track of where he is?
did he really let him be to figure out his own landing? ]
[ He's fine, isn't he? Sylus leaps after Rafayel across the gap, but he doesn't head straight toward him, instead manoeuvring toward the side, using another piece of falling debris to launch himself higher and through the open sky onto the still standing portion of the roof.
Though it's questionable how long it might remain standing.
He doesn't plan to remain up there long, surveying the scene around them, the ground continuously shaking from the assault. Too close for comfort, he can spot smaller ships descending from space, and purses his lips before hopping back down, assuming Rafayel hasn't left him behind. ]
That shortcut better prove just how short it is soon.
[ Chances are the firepower will ease up now to make way for a ground assault so they can apprehend the Santarch directly. ]
[ if fighting for your life is fine then? yeah? he's fine.
he does end up landing perfectly on his feet, even as he gets through the debris to another hall connected to the side of the gardens. from there, the docking bay is close. perhaps, even closer than it would have been had they traversed back through the main hall.
not that they had much of a choice considering most of that is... gone?
he's already pressing the controls to open the door to the ship. he realizes now he's basically ignored sylus' words, but that's what he gets for rushing him. so he still decides to keep ignoring him. as if to tell him if he lags behind, he's leaving him too!!! even when in reality, he hasn't done much to get out of sylus' reach. but well... he isn't entirely ungrateful and he does think sylus may have his uses. insert justification here
... that doesn't mean he won't act like he's going to leave sylus behind though. ] Don't tell me you came all this way, and yet you're afraid of being left behind, losing the one thing you came here for?
Actually, he can't. He's not particularly skilled at reading people on a personal level, and he's only just met Rafayel, so he really has no idea what he thinks about Sylus butting into his escape plan. He can only read and follow logic—that getting into an altercation, and taking on one more enemy wouldn't be the smart move—but not emotion or sentiment.
Especially while the entire building comes crashing down around them.
He's lingering close as Rafayel keys the code in to open up the ship, looking unbothered despite the increasingly bleak situation. ]
I told you my plan from the start, and it doesn't seem to be failing me now, does it?
[ As soon as the door opens, he pushes his way in, perhaps even past Rafayel so that he can make his way over to the controls. He will be putting himself in the pilot's seat and getting them out of here.
Rafayel should hopefully remember to close the door behind him. ]
there's this burning desire he has to push past him and shut the door, but maybe sylus isn't a fool? apparently, he beats him to the punch. this isn't linkon raf, so there's no grumbling or complaining under his breath, but there is a brief sidelong glance in his direction and the slightest twitch of his brow. ]
Should one be proud of a plan without any results?
[ still, he remains seemingly apathetic to the idea of being trapped here with him, especially as he now shuts the door. which? hello? what if he rolled out? but, as soon as he does his posture does appear to be a little more stiff, especially as he inches closer to sylus.
eventually, he'll also draw his hands over the controls himself, as if to subtly redirect sylus' fingers on the touchpad. ]
[ He's exactly where he wants to be? In this escape pod with you.
Well— not quite. Where he wants to be aboard one of the Khaosi ships with Zynlai's head in his heads, but he needs to practice patience and bide his time.
So, in terms of what is realistic and achievable, he is exactly where he wants to be. Even if it's annoying when Rafayel comes over to start interfering with the controls.
He gently smacks his hand away, ] Got a safe house in mind?
there's a glance at the hand that slaps his away. the audacity... this is the sanctarch that is guiding you? that said, he isn't all that offended. truthfully, he seems mildly amused by it. not all men bowed down in blind devotion, it seems. he'd have to see if that's still the case later. ]
You're quite daring. [ was sylus not concerned with the idea that rafayel could just as easily lead him into another trap? is this faith in the sanctarch, or is this confidence in himself? probably the latter. but, still, he does make one recommendation. ]
[ Sorry to Rafayel, Sylus isn't the reverent type at all. At least, not of men and figureheads.
He is aware that Rafayel could easily lead him into a trap, especially once he offers up a suggestion for where they can find refuge. Or rather, where he can find refuge. He doubts that the Santarch is all that concerned with him after what his people have done to his Court. Even if Sylus isn't outwardly allying himself with them, he expects wariness and contempt.
[ his brows raise just slightly at sylus' suggestion. he isn't sure whether to be surprised sylus doesn't bite, or unnerved by the fact that he said "earth" without much pause. perhaps, that's why he idly touches the corner of the control panel, this time not directing sylus' hand, but just lingering.
there is no actual contempt to his voice, though.
he mostly sounds curious. ] Earth... [ he repeats, before. ] Is there a reason why you settled on that? In olden times, people believed it was a land of change, and where one could assimilate and be anything their heart desired. Do you have that? [ desires? ]
[ He meets Rafayel's gaze, equally surprised that he isn't immediately disregarding Sylus' suggested and charting course to Murya anyway.
But if he's willing to hear him out... ]
It's not a place either of us have connection to. [ It's well known that the Santarch has some kind of connection to Murya, and once the armies realize that he's escaped his sanctum, they'll likely raid the other planet in search of him.
Does Sylus want change? That's a funny question when he's working to get things back to the status quo: with him in power and Zynlai's head ripped from his body. ]
Why? Do you want change? [ Looking at his mask. ] Tired of the scrutiny that comes with power?
[ that's a fair, logical explanation. but, rafayel isn't sure if he buys it. or maybe he doesn't want to believe it's that simple. perhaps, because he fills a role that relies heavily on duty and faith, he can't help but to think there should be more behind a decision. or maybe, that's also subject to the fates?
maybe they're meant to go to earth?
either way, he seems satisfied to fulfill the man's whims for now. though, it's not without the confidence of him thinking he's not actually as much of a hostage as he may, theoretically, be? though, he does get the feeling the other party after him may have been easier to deal with than sylus. sad.
at the question, he releases a dark chuckle, like finding it funny. ] Why tire of something we strive for with our own hands? [ ... ] But, I think everyone looks for some type of change. Isn't that why I exist?
[ because the people need something or someone to believe in, and external change was all the easier to seek out than what's within. ]
[ Not everyone strives for power, but he wouldn't be too surprised of Rafayel did. He seemed like the type of insecure person that needs the power to feel confident. And all this talk about change... Is he unhappy or something?
Maybe that has to do the attack he just narrowly escaped? ]
You exist because people are weak.
[ Lifting a brow, keeping Rafayel's gaze. ]
Is that why you're going along with my plan like a good little boy? Relieved to finally be around someone not begging for your help?
in reality, he's likely feeling something closer to practiced apathy. where he wonders if there was much of life beyond his purposes. even this attack doesn't exactly seem to affect him beyond thinking it's just another wrench in his plans. he also didn't think it was necessarily productive to waste his energy on casting blame on those who desired more power— instead, all he could focus on was his current circumstances.
... and the person he seemed to share them with.
at sylus' words, his brows knit together momentarily, his head shaking. ] From where I'm standing... [ he pushes a hand against sylus' chest, lightly, but clearly with the intent to make him step back. ] You don't appear any different than the rest of them?
After all, I'm here because you also want me. [ it isn't a question.
but, he will try and plug the coordinates in for earth, as if to say he wasn't afraid. ]
[ He lets Rafayel settle his hand against his chest, watching as he puts in the coordinates for Earth with an expression that reveals very little.
If there's genuinely any connection between him and Earth, Sylus doesn't give anything away, and for the most part, his explanation seems true: it is a place with no connection to either of them, and also without any particular allegiance in this war that they've found themselves in. It makes strategic sense.
Once Rafayel has charted their course, however, Sylus' hand with shoot out to grab his chin, angling his face to meet his own. ]
You price yourself cheaply, princess. All it took for you to come with me was a little desire?
[ His right eye glows slightly, warm amongst the harsh lights of the escape pod. ]
Would you have gone along with the Khaosi army if they asked nicely enough?
honestly, he half-expected no response at all. with their destination set, he figured there was little else to discuss between the two of them. or maybe that was just his own thoughts. when sylus seizes his chin, rafayel makes no signs of pulling away. he didn't want to reveal that type of vulnerability so openly, and to be fair...
he doesn't view sylus as much of threat as he logically should have.
though, his brows to furrow just slightly at "princess." ] You should save those words for your future betrothed. [ don't all rulers or rulers-to-be inevitably marry some sort of princess? someone or anyone who can increase their influence? ... does that make him the princess in this case.
damn, he doesn't want sylus to be right. ]
Of course not. Had you not interfered, I'm sure they would be on their knees, no different than the other fools who fill the court. [ finally he lifts his hand just to hold onto sylus' wrist, but he doesn't brush him off just yet. maybe it's because sylus' eye glows with a light that feels both foreign and familiar at the same time, but he finds himself wanting to stare for just a moment longer. ]
Briefly imagines the hilarious concept of marrying Rafayel. Sylus isn't opposed to political marriage depending on the person and the benefits (and the ease of being able to kill them off if necessary), but Rafayel... Seems like too much trouble.
He grabs onto his wrist, which is fine. Even though there's nothing tender about the smile he gives in response to Rafayel's words. ]
What court?
[ Whatever remains is in ruins behind them, and he has no doubt the army will be merciless as they scour in search of the man in front of him. Sylus might think Zynlai is an idiot, and that this attack is foolish, but he still carries some confidence in his home army.
He releases Rafayel's chin, though his gaze lingers on his expression, searching for hurt, anger or grief. Anything other than the mask of indifference. ]
Maybe you should take a nap. It's a long way to Earth.
when sylus releases his hold, rafayel also loosens his grip. it's just for a moment, where he looks off in the distance— his eyes on the dark expanse in front of them. funny enough, more than hurt, more than anger— he seems exhausted in that moment. to be honest, he didn't care who remained in power as long as his own goals were met. that didn't mean he didn't tire of seeing the worst in others, though.
regardless, that's not a point he settles on. he's quick to balance that out with a shrug as he releases his hold on sylus completely.
he settles into the nearest seat, trying not to show any sign of caution. as if putting on yet another front like he isn't being tossed into the unknown with this man. ]
If you expect someone to take rest in front of you, do you not believe you should also show some sincerity? [ then again, sylus did appear oddly relaxed for their situation. he wonders if sylus didn't hear rumors about him, or if he just didn't care. ]
Even the cats wandering the gardens had more manners than you.
The exhaustion does escape Sylus, not with how closely he's looking at the man in front of him. It catches him by surprise. The resignation, as though burdened by loss several lifetimes over.
And he'd heard the Santarch was quite young. ]
I haven't shown you a moment of insincerity. [ Sitting down next to him, looking at him like he's stupid for not accepting the suggestion to get some rest. ] And your garden cats are likely more spoiled than I am.
[ Maybe if you pet him and fed him snacks he would also have manners. ]
[ he releases a loud exhale that may as well have been a laugh.
he at least pretends to find sylus' joke funny. jk, he does think there's something there. he just isn't sure if it's really humor he feels. instead, he look at him through his peripherals, before settling his gaze back on space. ] I don't know about that. Ironically, I think I know of a kitten who started off just like you. Overly confident. Seemingly fearless. Greedy with no lack of ambition. And yet, he purrs the loudest at my hands.
[ he then looks back at sylus and gestures with his fingers. pspspss ]
[ he looks back at him at the "overly" confident bit. he just nods? like yes? can i help you? did you need anything additional? a definition? the word used in a sentence?
though, he soon chuckles a little at his next words. ]
Should we test it? [ he draws his hand close enough to sylus' face. he doesn't actually think sylus will draw in any closer. not if he was smart. that said, HELLO???? he's a respectable man here... love potions sylus ]
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throne of eros...
the political sphere within the alore galaxy has been tense since the rising of a new empress of the empire. not that it was any better with the former emperor at its helm, but that it was generally a time of more civil unrest. where the tides could easily turn to one faction over another as easy as a drop of the hat, and perhaps within that... the sanctide court comes across as an easier target. they're not known for their armies, except for borrowed power, and while the santarch is said to possess a mysterious ability, no one appears to know a lot about it. besides, who would take a group of perceived fanatics and their blind devotion seriously?
maybe that's why he shouldn't be especially surprised when khaosi suddenly decides to turn its fangs on the court as opposed to the empire or the federation. what he doesn't expect is a whole fleet laying in wait for him, using the guise of the recent completion of the tideprayer to strike.
honestly, even if it's an absolute mess, rafayel still keeps his composure. if anything, he can only lament his lack of making connections quick enough. who knew killing the former emperor was barely step one... and rafayel didn't have the means to steal the empire's manpower fast enough. a miscalculation on his in spite of the ensuing chaos, rafayel is almost leisure in the way he stalks about the back halls, leading towards the garden. maybe he can make it to the escape pod...
if he can forgo the foray of bullets and the explosions... sylus help. ]
no subject
While he doesn't lack confidence in his abilities, or those of the Khaosi military, the attack on the Sanctide Court is premature. Relations are strained after the execution of the previous emperor, but technically the court is a close friend of the Empire, and making such bold moves against them—when he has no doubt the Empire wants to use them to seize more authority for themselves, eventually—is going to pull them into a large conflict, too soon and with too little preparation.
But then again, Zynlai had always been overzealous. Or at least, that's what Sylus hopes is the case. It'd be even more pathetic if he thinks that he's brokered some kind of deal that would accomplish anything other than making himself into the Empire's pawn.
Regardless, the easiest way to steal this victory from him—even if he does overwhelm the Court with military force—is to snatch the Santarch from under his nose, before he manages to take him prisoner.
The hallway he's currently explodes in a flash of blinding light when artillery from the battle ships comes sailing down, and as the heat and the light fade, Rafayel will find Sylus standing right in front of him, looking completely unruffled. ]
Going somewhere?
no subject
so when the aircraft’s blaring lights finally dim and he sees a man standing in the center of it (not aura farming), he does naturally stand a little more on guard. his posture corrects itself, and yet he remains poised in a way that would be fitting for the santarch of the sanctide court. naturally, he has to behave in a way that is fitting of not, even when it’s on the cusp of being invaded.
even if it might be all bravado, he gives a dismissive turn of his head. ] Not particularly. Where else would I have to go if not the prayer room? Devotion is hardly cheap.
[ he is then going to try and cautiously go around him.
or at least pretend to, like he’s not dressed in his robes and mask. please no one call him your quintessence… ]
no subject
Anyway, he doesn't seem particularly impressed by Rafayel's poise or calm, though, in truth, he is grateful that he isn't panicked or sniveling on the floor. Yes, it means that he likely would've knocked him unconscious and had an otherwise peaceful escape with his unconscious companion, but...
Even though, Sylus doesn't mind a challenge. The path forward being difficult has never deterred him. ]
You intend to be a captain going down with his ship, hm?
[ Turns on his heel when Rafayel starts moving past him, so that he can casually start walking by his side. ]
no subject
maybe it's fortunate that he can remain ~mysterious~ and aloof instead. he has the dignity of the court to uphold, but also maybe more pettily, he also doesn't believe the man in front of him deserves a reaction from him. ] If that is how you choose to interpret my words, who am I stop your intense will? [ but, as much as he enjoys talking around the obvious elephant in the room, he does eventually turn his gaze towards sylus. ] However—
If your intention was to capture me, I am sure you'd have no trouble showing your hand by now. Perhaps, even using the element of surprise to your advantage. Is there a reason you haven't?
[ he says while drawing a hand out, just enough to punctuate the lack of distance between the two of them. ]
no subject
Not that Sylus has any backup, since the goons running this assault have all bought into Zynlai's foolish plans, but he doubts that Rafayel is aware of Khaosi's inner struggles.
Unless? ]
I thought it would be easier to follow you to your escape pod, and just hijack it rather than making the effort to knock you unconscious and haul you all the way to my own ship.
[ Smiles! ]
no subject
that said, it wasn't a very complex plan, sure. but, he'd like to believe he had his own abilities to fall back on in a pinch. maybe he just doesn't perceive sylus as that much of a threat as it currently stands; where this confidence comes from... maybe that's the real mystery. he looks over to sylus, and gives a small exhale, like he's already exhausted of hearing him out. or amused. maybe a healthy mix of both? ]
Some would take such words to be impertinent. Perhaps, blasphemous?
[ ... ] Do you believe I would open a seat next to me on this escape pod?
no subject
He laughs at being called blasphemous, continuing to stride along Rafayel's side like they're two buddies going for a walk. If Rafayel is being stealthy, Sylus isn't: his boots clicking loudly against the marble floor. ]
No, I don't. [ He doesn't think it would be easy, but... That doesn't change the final result.
Regardless, their stroll is cut short when another missile hits the Court, this one thundering into the ground just outside the area of the building that they're currently in, the impact loud enough to be deafening, reverberating through the ground and cracking open the stone underneath.
The wall to their left completely shatters, sending stone cutting through the air in their direction, crumbling steadily upward until it becomes clear that the ceiling is about to start caving in.
Sylus cares less about keeping his balance steady, and more about keeping them together, but he manages to accomplish both when the ground underneath them starts to shatter, reaching out to grab Rafayel's arm with a gloved hand, and pulling them both to somewhat steadier ground. ]
But you might want to get to it quickly.
no subject
not everyone allegiances are the same.
or, they really didn't mind the casualties. that said, when the ground cracks, rafayel is still taken slightly off-guard. assassination and brainwashing was his game, not actual frontline warfare. so he stumbles, and it's sylus' hand that keeps his feet firmly planted on the solid platform. that said, he's not used to someone breaching his personal space like this, but he's not ridiculous enough to push him away.
instead, he tugs sylus' hand sharply to follow him. ]
I know a shortcut. Follow me. [ he's already running to allow them some room to leap across the ground as it separates.
as for dodging the debris from the above, well... he'll leave that to sylus. ]
no subject
He follows after Rafayel without question, even though neither of them really have much reason to trust each other. What he does trust is that Rafayel doesn't intend to die today, and the likelihood of him leading Sylus into a trap is low. He'd be better off just trying to ditch him in all the chaos.
So, for better or for worse, they're in this together.
At least until they reach a clearing and the ground ahead of them cracks clean open...
You know he's going to pick Raf up and yeet him across the growing canyon. YIPPEE. ]
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[ yeah, he is meat shield #1. or well, he's the only one. rafayel is a little surprised they didn't deem him enough of a threat to send someone personally. or maybe destroying most of the buildings structure was meant to keep him relatively modest during negotiations.
either way, it's not really important.
what is important could be the fact that he's keeping the most dangerous person of them all at his side. it's true they don't know a lot about one another, aside from what they hear in whispers of rumors, but rafayel figures an introduction is the last thing they need. no, scratch that. being yeeted into the air was the last thing he personally needed. YOU NEED TO STOP DOING THIS SYLUS!!!!
there's a disgruntled noise as he's suddenly weightless. his own eyes glow momentarily as a purple tendril also reaches out and pushes some debris in his path. he's about to use it to grab onto sylus, but he... genuinely lost track of where he is?
did he really let him be to figure out his own landing? ]
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Though it's questionable how long it might remain standing.
He doesn't plan to remain up there long, surveying the scene around them, the ground continuously shaking from the assault. Too close for comfort, he can spot smaller ships descending from space, and purses his lips before hopping back down, assuming Rafayel hasn't left him behind. ]
That shortcut better prove just how short it is soon.
[ Chances are the firepower will ease up now to make way for a ground assault so they can apprehend the Santarch directly. ]
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he does end up landing perfectly on his feet, even as he gets through the debris to another hall connected to the side of the gardens. from there, the docking bay is close. perhaps, even closer than it would have been had they traversed back through the main hall.
not that they had much of a choice considering most of that is... gone?
he's already pressing the controls to open the door to the ship. he realizes now he's basically ignored sylus' words, but that's what he gets for rushing him. so he still decides to keep ignoring him. as if to tell him if he lags behind, he's leaving him too!!! even when in reality, he hasn't done much to get out of sylus' reach. but well... he isn't entirely ungrateful and he does think sylus may have his uses. insert justification here
... that doesn't mean he won't act like he's going to leave sylus behind though. ] Don't tell me you came all this way, and yet you're afraid of being left behind, losing the one thing you came here for?
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Actually, he can't. He's not particularly skilled at reading people on a personal level, and he's only just met Rafayel, so he really has no idea what he thinks about Sylus butting into his escape plan. He can only read and follow logic—that getting into an altercation, and taking on one more enemy wouldn't be the smart move—but not emotion or sentiment.
Especially while the entire building comes crashing down around them.
He's lingering close as Rafayel keys the code in to open up the ship, looking unbothered despite the increasingly bleak situation. ]
I told you my plan from the start, and it doesn't seem to be failing me now, does it?
[ As soon as the door opens, he pushes his way in, perhaps even past Rafayel so that he can make his way over to the controls. He will be putting himself in the pilot's seat and getting them out of here.
Rafayel should hopefully remember to close the door behind him. ]
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there's this burning desire he has to push past him and shut the door, but maybe sylus isn't a fool? apparently, he beats him to the punch. this isn't linkon raf, so there's no grumbling or complaining under his breath, but there is a brief sidelong glance in his direction and the slightest twitch of his brow. ]
Should one be proud of a plan without any results?
[ still, he remains seemingly apathetic to the idea of being trapped here with him, especially as he now shuts the door. which? hello? what if he rolled out? but, as soon as he does his posture does appear to be a little more stiff, especially as he inches closer to sylus.
eventually, he'll also draw his hands over the controls himself, as if to subtly redirect sylus' fingers on the touchpad. ]
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[ He's exactly where he wants to be? In this escape pod with you.
Well— not quite. Where he wants to be aboard one of the Khaosi ships with Zynlai's head in his heads, but he needs to practice patience and bide his time.
So, in terms of what is realistic and achievable, he is exactly where he wants to be. Even if it's annoying when Rafayel comes over to start interfering with the controls.
He gently smacks his hand away, ] Got a safe house in mind?
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there's a glance at the hand that slaps his away. the audacity... this is the sanctarch that is guiding you? that said, he isn't all that offended. truthfully, he seems mildly amused by it. not all men bowed down in blind devotion, it seems. he'd have to see if that's still the case later. ]
You're quite daring. [ was sylus not concerned with the idea that rafayel could just as easily lead him into another trap? is this faith in the sanctarch, or is this confidence in himself? probably the latter. but, still, he does make one recommendation. ]
What about Murya?
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He is aware that Rafayel could easily lead him into a trap, especially once he offers up a suggestion for where they can find refuge. Or rather, where he can find refuge. He doubts that the Santarch is all that concerned with him after what his people have done to his Court. Even if Sylus isn't outwardly allying himself with them, he expects wariness and contempt.
He does seem to consider the idea. ]
I was thinking Earth.
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there is no actual contempt to his voice, though.
he mostly sounds curious. ] Earth... [ he repeats, before. ] Is there a reason why you settled on that? In olden times, people believed it was a land of change, and where one could assimilate and be anything their heart desired. Do you have that? [ desires? ]
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But if he's willing to hear him out... ]
It's not a place either of us have connection to. [ It's well known that the Santarch has some kind of connection to Murya, and once the armies realize that he's escaped his sanctum, they'll likely raid the other planet in search of him.
Does Sylus want change? That's a funny question when he's working to get things back to the status quo: with him in power and Zynlai's head ripped from his body. ]
Why? Do you want change? [ Looking at his mask. ] Tired of the scrutiny that comes with power?
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maybe they're meant to go to earth?
either way, he seems satisfied to fulfill the man's whims for now. though, it's not without the confidence of him thinking he's not actually as much of a hostage as he may, theoretically, be? though, he does get the feeling the other party after him may have been easier to deal with than sylus. sad.
at the question, he releases a dark chuckle, like finding it funny. ] Why tire of something we strive for with our own hands? [ ... ] But, I think everyone looks for some type of change. Isn't that why I exist?
[ because the people need something or someone to believe in, and external change was all the easier to seek out than what's within. ]
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Maybe that has to do the attack he just narrowly escaped? ]
You exist because people are weak.
[ Lifting a brow, keeping Rafayel's gaze. ]
Is that why you're going along with my plan like a good little boy? Relieved to finally be around someone not begging for your help?
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in reality, he's likely feeling something closer to practiced apathy. where he wonders if there was much of life beyond his purposes. even this attack doesn't exactly seem to affect him beyond thinking it's just another wrench in his plans. he also didn't think it was necessarily productive to waste his energy on casting blame on those who desired more power— instead, all he could focus on was his current circumstances.
... and the person he seemed to share them with.
at sylus' words, his brows knit together momentarily, his head shaking. ] From where I'm standing... [ he pushes a hand against sylus' chest, lightly, but clearly with the intent to make him step back. ] You don't appear any different than the rest of them?
After all, I'm here because you also want me. [ it isn't a question.
but, he will try and plug the coordinates in for earth, as if to say he wasn't afraid. ]
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If there's genuinely any connection between him and Earth, Sylus doesn't give anything away, and for the most part, his explanation seems true: it is a place with no connection to either of them, and also without any particular allegiance in this war that they've found themselves in. It makes strategic sense.
Once Rafayel has charted their course, however, Sylus' hand with shoot out to grab his chin, angling his face to meet his own. ]
You price yourself cheaply, princess. All it took for you to come with me was a little desire?
[ His right eye glows slightly, warm amongst the harsh lights of the escape pod. ]
Would you have gone along with the Khaosi army if they asked nicely enough?
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honestly, he half-expected no response at all. with their destination set, he figured there was little else to discuss between the two of them. or maybe that was just his own thoughts. when sylus seizes his chin, rafayel makes no signs of pulling away. he didn't want to reveal that type of vulnerability so openly, and to be fair...
he doesn't view sylus as much of threat as he logically should have.
though, his brows to furrow just slightly at "princess." ] You should save those words for your future betrothed. [ don't all rulers or rulers-to-be inevitably marry some sort of princess? someone or anyone who can increase their influence? ... does that make him the princess in this case.
damn, he doesn't want sylus to be right. ]
Of course not. Had you not interfered, I'm sure they would be on their knees, no different than the other fools who fill the court. [ finally he lifts his hand just to hold onto sylus' wrist, but he doesn't brush him off just yet. maybe it's because sylus' eye glows with a light that feels both foreign and familiar at the same time, but he finds himself wanting to stare for just a moment longer. ]
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Briefly imagines the hilarious concept of marrying Rafayel. Sylus isn't opposed to political marriage depending on the person and the benefits (and the ease of being able to kill them off if necessary), but Rafayel... Seems like too much trouble.
He grabs onto his wrist, which is fine. Even though there's nothing tender about the smile he gives in response to Rafayel's words. ]
What court?
[ Whatever remains is in ruins behind them, and he has no doubt the army will be merciless as they scour in search of the man in front of him. Sylus might think Zynlai is an idiot, and that this attack is foolish, but he still carries some confidence in his home army.
He releases Rafayel's chin, though his gaze lingers on his expression, searching for hurt, anger or grief. Anything other than the mask of indifference. ]
Maybe you should take a nap. It's a long way to Earth.
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when sylus releases his hold, rafayel also loosens his grip. it's just for a moment, where he looks off in the distance— his eyes on the dark expanse in front of them. funny enough, more than hurt, more than anger— he seems exhausted in that moment. to be honest, he didn't care who remained in power as long as his own goals were met. that didn't mean he didn't tire of seeing the worst in others, though.
regardless, that's not a point he settles on. he's quick to balance that out with a shrug as he releases his hold on sylus completely.
he settles into the nearest seat, trying not to show any sign of caution. as if putting on yet another front like he isn't being tossed into the unknown with this man. ]
If you expect someone to take rest in front of you, do you not believe you should also show some sincerity? [ then again, sylus did appear oddly relaxed for their situation. he wonders if sylus didn't hear rumors about him, or if he just didn't care. ]
Even the cats wandering the gardens had more manners than you.
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The exhaustion does escape Sylus, not with how closely he's looking at the man in front of him. It catches him by surprise. The resignation, as though burdened by loss several lifetimes over.
And he'd heard the Santarch was quite young. ]
I haven't shown you a moment of insincerity. [ Sitting down next to him, looking at him like he's stupid for not accepting the suggestion to get some rest. ] And your garden cats are likely more spoiled than I am.
[ Maybe if you pet him and fed him snacks he would also have manners. ]
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he at least pretends to find sylus' joke funny. jk, he does think there's something there. he just isn't sure if it's really humor he feels. instead, he look at him through his peripherals, before settling his gaze back on space. ] I don't know about that. Ironically, I think I know of a kitten who started off just like you. Overly confident. Seemingly fearless. Greedy with no lack of ambition. And yet, he purrs the loudest at my hands.
[ he then looks back at sylus and gestures with his fingers. pspspss ]
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He just slow blinks (like a cat) at Rafayel's gesturing, eventually raising a brow. ]
You can't spoil me the same way as a cat, you know.
[ Also, aren't you the big baby that prefers to be on the receiving end of the spoiling? ]
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though, he soon chuckles a little at his next words. ]
Should we test it? [ he draws his hand close enough to sylus' face. he doesn't actually think sylus will draw in any closer. not if he was smart. that said, HELLO???? he's a respectable man here... love potions sylus ]