[❤] The Uprising of Delra (accepting, pm me)

[Stumpy.]

After the rest of the interrogations had been finished, Aida went to find Sycamore.
"Hey, Sycamore! Do you want to help me with the cells? Apparently there was another prisoner who came in with the Prince!- Oh, sorry! I can wait." Aida had began to request her friend's company in finishing the last cell, but didn't want to interrupt her conversation.
"I'm gonna go ahead and take care of the cell, though. See you later!" With a cheerful wave goodbye, Aida left to go fix up the new cell. I wonder who the new prisoner is? I know it's not Ella, since I've seen her walking around and stuff. Uhhh... I don't think anyone mentioned anything that I could hear. Well, I guess I'm about to find out!
Aida walked briskly to the cells, humming cheerfully under her breath as she strolled to the new prisoner.
"Hello!" She exclaimed cheerfully.

Robin sighed in relief. Everything now was done, and she was in dire need of a chance to recharge. Robin was soon back to her room, and immediately shifted to hide among her pillows. Even if it seemed a tad childish, it actually was pretty comfortable.
Robin needed a chance to reflect, anyways. She wasn't sure how to feel about anything that had occurred. Sure, the Prince hadn't tried to stab anyone in the back yet, but that didn't mean that he wasn't a dangerous person. For all everyone knew, he could just be gathering information to go tell his father, and get the entire rebellion slaughtered. I get why they're trying to impress him and all, maybe get a bit more info- not that we can even trust he's telling the truth-, but it just seems... too much. He's still a prisoner. Robin sighed, poking the corner of her pillow. As long as the Prince didn't try to hurt anyone, Robin would just wait it out.
For now, at least.

[Pistol Annie #1 NPC]

Sycamore Jin
Phoenix
Location: Prison
Tags: Diana, Aida

Still reeling over the confusing encounter with Prince Alastair, Sycamore leaned against a cool dungeon wall to gather her thoughts. The phoenix couldn't shake the eerie familiarity that struck her the instant she met those green eyes.
Sycamore snapped out of her confusing thoughts when a fellow rebel approached her. The clearheadedness didn't last long, however, as that odd feeling of recognition had resurfaced. Memories of friendship tugged at the phoenix's mind - no clear images, just a warm fuzzy feeling from somewhere in the past.
"Hi, uh... I'm Sycamore. It's nice to meet you." Social awkwardness was catching up to her painfully. "This might sound weird, but I got this feeling with the Prince too. But with you, it's... like seeing an old friend after a long time."
She heard Aida's voice calling her from down the hallway. Her fine Fivanian friend was heading to the cells again, probably about to decorate some more. "I'll catch up with you soon!" Sycamore promised.
Turning back to the newcomer, Sycamore tilted her head to the side. What about her was so familiar? Then inspiration hit her, and she held her arms out with a big smile. "Maybe hugging will help us remember? I'm Twodorian, and Twodorians are good at remembering what friends' hugs feel like."

Wayne Montgomery
Ex-Commander in the Royal Guard
Location: Prison cell
Tags: Aida

Disgust creased the prisoner's face as a voice irritated his ears. Some happy-go-lucky idiot had come to pester him. He turned around, even more annoyed when he saw a girl's face. All sorts of sexist slurs came to mind, but he didn't start spewing them immediately. No, he had to start with a racist one.
"All the disgracin' rebels and they send a froofroo little Fivanian brat." A sneer spread across his face as he stalked forward. Wayne stood right in front of the bars, arrogantly towering over her. Beady sewer-green eyes darted left to right, checking in case this chick had backup. His smirk grew more smug as he saw no one.
"Run off, girly. I don't have time to play dollies with you." He rattled the bars once for dramatic effect, then turned his back to her. Were all rebels this smiley? Wayne almost wished that brat princess had just killed him back in Oneta.

[Stumpy.]

Although Aida looked quite offended, she didn't budge. Geez, he's not very nice.
"I was going to try and do something nice for you, but.." Aida trailed off, before shaking her head. No, she wasn't going to let a few harsh words deter her. Though, she did feel a bit more hesitant about getting near the cell. Someone said that there had been a fight, after all. Still, she didn't want to just leave the guy in a sad, drab cell with nothing to do or look at besides bland grey walls. Aida paused for a moment, not sure what to do. Maybe the guy was just having a really bad day, and just needed a chance to collect himself. I mean, he got locked up in a cell, so he probably is having a pretty rotten day.
"I get you're probably having a pretty bad day, so let's try this again from square one. Hi, I'm Aida, and I came to try and do something nice for you, so you don't have to resort to being super mean and racist." Surely all that was needed was a bit of patience and understanding. After all, nobody acted awful without some reason.

[Pistol Annie #1 NPC]

Wayne Montgomery
Ex-Commander in the Royal Guard
Location: Prison cell
Tags: Aida

Wayne's lip curled back in a scowl. He prepared to shoot some further slurs, but then logic started to sink in. Even his bigoted brain was able to comprehend the stupidity of his own situation. He was a prisoner, captured by rebel terrorists who could torture him at any moment. Continuing to insult them would probably end in disaster.
On the other hand, this chick was offering him favors. All Wayne needed to do was pretend to be reasonably nice. Fivanians are gullible, thought the racist. Maybe she'll let me out of this cell.
Despite the disgust boiling in his chest, Wayne forced a smile onto his face. It was obviously fake but he arrogantly assumed the girl wouldn't notice. "Yeah, sorry. It's been a long day. What's that 'something nice' you're gonna do for me?"

[Stumpy.]

Aida furrowed her brow, falling uncharacteristically silent. She could tell this guy was up to.. something. Aida wasn't sure exactly what, but she knew she didn't want to do something stupid. Her eyes fell to a slightly greyish pink as she thought over the situation. Dad did say to not get too close to the cell doors, ESPECIALLY if whoever is inside is acting mean or is close to them. Something about them trying to grab you or hurt you. He's probably exaggerating on that part, but if he wants me to do something, he's always had a reason. He just wants to keep me safe, after all. Aida knew this prisoner wouldn't try to kill her or anything, but she didn't want to disobey her father's advice either. Maybe he'll stop pushing whatever he's trying to do if he knows it's not working..?
"I'm not stupid." She replied simply. She wasn't sure what this prisoner was trying to get, but she had no intentions of being made a fool. She was painfully naive, but she wasn't absolutely emptyheaded. And regardless, the swap from looking all grumpy to plastering a fake smile on his face absolutely reminded Aida of Adrai being about to pull some prank. Oh, is this all some elaborate prank from Ardai!? He'd totally do something like that. Well, if it was, Aida had to plan something even better to get him back. Maybe.... I'll dye his hair highlighter yellow! No, he'd probably like that. Maybe grey? Grey is such a dull and sad color, that would probably just be mean. Can I change the color of a shadow...? I've never tried. Hmm. Aida mentally jotted that idea down for later, and focused back on the task at hand.

[cocogerber13]

Caleb Oxenbera——————————
♠︎ // Phoenix Squad Recruit // Beast Summoning // Tags: Aida, Wayne

Although Alastair had dismissed Caleb’s offer of summoning an animal’s company, as soon as the teen had gotten enough rest to do so he had inevitably called upon the companionship of a large, black, Newfoundland dog. Her size and fluffiness was bound to be enough in case a few of his teammates wanted to pet her, and although Caleb dearly wanted to go hug Sycamore, he first wanted to check again on everyone who was still recharging from the mission. As he walked by the cells of prisoners to return to the interrogation spot (after pointedly glancing at James), he heard a pair of voices up ahead.

“Ah, Aida, is that you..?” He called out gently. The dog at his side was panting and trotting a few steps ahead of him. As she approached Wayne’s cell, the formerly calm Newfoundland gave a brisk bark and tensed her stance. This immediately concerned Caleb and he walked forward and placed a hand on her head. “Is there something wrong..? Oh...” teal eyes shifted from the Fivanan to their most recently brought in prisoner. “Huh, that’s the guy who is responsible for Quinn’s injury. Apparently.” He hadn’t experienced it first-hand, but considering the explanations he had overheard walking onto the train there seemed enough merit to distrust the man. The thought of someone hurting a friend of his was enough information to make the blood in the summoner’s veins boil, but Caleb always did try to consider other sides to stories. The bit of his restraint didn’t make it to the Newfoundland’s consciousness however, and though the dog didn’t move to attack her ears were pinned back and teeth were bared.

The hand that had been on the animal’s head was now gently stroking the side of her neck. For now, Caleb would wait to figure out how to address this dude before questioning him. And he’d be there in case Aida needed any help with... whatever she was doing right now.

[Pistol Annie #1 NPC]

Wayne Montgomery
Ex-Commander in the Royal Guard
Location: Prison cell
Tags: Aida, Caleb, Dog

Wayne's lack of patience soon became apparent as his smile disappeared, replaced with a nasty sneer of yellowed teeth. It was the petulant rage of an entitled man used to getting his way. He gripped the bars and leaned close, knuckles whitening as his fists tightened. "Listen here, you little-"
He stopped when another rebel approached. This one was taller and had a disgusting, filthy mutt by his side. Teeth bared like a dirty wild animal. The thing was probably rabid, needed to be put down like the rest of these rebels.
Wayne was about to furiously deny responsibility when an idea hit him. He could frame that stupid princess instead. "Look, there's been a mistake and you're all in danger. It was Alastair. She ordered me and my soldiers to attack. Said if we didn't, she would have us executed by her dad."

[Stumpy.]

Aida took a small step back, looking briefly alarmed. She'd never seen anyone look so... hateful. Okay, how bad of a day did he have to have to be this awful!? Aida was honestly confused at this point. She knew it wasn't a prank, though. Ardai would never think something like this was funny. This was just scary. Aida wasn't even sure what to do now. Thankfully, though, Caleb had come down the hall, and not only that, had a really cute dog as well.
"Oh, hey Caleb!" Aida stepped a bit closer to her teammate, grateful for the friendly face.
Though, that relief was squashed when Caleb mentioned what Wayne had done. Aida looked absolutely aghast and upset. She'd heard about how badly Quinn had been hurt, but not who hurt him. Aida wasn't even sure she wanted to fix the cell walls up anymore. This guy was just being plain awful! Did the emperor tell him to act that awful?? Aida's spiral of confusion was cut off when the prisoner spoke up again, and replaced it with even more confusion. She...? Alistair is a guy though. I think? I'm pretty sure everyone was calling him a guy??? I don't want to call them the wrong thing! Looking over the harsh shifting of blame, Aida focused on the thing that struck her the most.
"...I thought Alistair was a guy...?"

[Pistol Annie #1 NPC]

Wayne Montgomery
Ex-Commander in the Royal Guard
Location: Prison cell
Tags: Aida, Caleb, Dog

Wayne internally jumped at the opportunity to sabotage Alastair even more. The ex-captain still seethed with fury and hatred over losing a fight to that brat, that arrogant showboating twerp who'd kicked him down instead of using a sword. Alastair deserved everything coming.
"Oh, did the princess not tell you?" Said the sexist pig in a fake sympathetic voice. "My bad."
There was even more, though. Wayne had overheard snippets of the interrogation, and he had yet another way to trip Alastair up. This one was genuinely suspicious too. "Also, isn't it strange that your 'friend' claimed to have the Fivana trait? Let me tell you something. The Empress, Alastair's mother, was from Ninon."
It was true. Anyone old enough to remember would know. These kids would probably doubt him, run off to ask their superiors... and receive the same answer. Wayne had to resist the urge to smirk.

[cocogerber13]

Caleb Oxenbera——————————
♠︎ // Phoenix Squad Recruit // Beast Summoning // Tags: Aida, Wayne

A quick flash of regret passed over Caleb’s face at Aida’s relieved expression turning to one of confusion and unease again. As soon as he thought this, the dog slid over to lean on the back of her legs comfortingly- though the pup refused to go anywhere closer to Wayne’s compartment. Caleb on the other hand crossed his arms firmly over his chest and held his ground. “Hmm, gender doesn’t seem like a super important thing to think ill of someone for. Besides, he seems pretty princely to me.” Caleb retorted. Already this man was starting to remind him of one of the higher-ups in headquarters- someone most of them seemed to dislike. The rebel couldn’t entirely let his impression of Atlanta’s old commander tarnish Wayne’s however, as bigoted as he appeared.

The blame put on Alastair was also rushed- and a rushed excuse did tend to lead back to lies more than the slower alternative. Also, as open as Caleb kept his mind, something about the story didn’t strike him right. Most of it, actually. “I was actually on the mission to capture Alastair, so I heard my teammates on the way back. You know, when you were passed out?” The dark brunet started. He had actually passed out rather quickly himself once he got on the train, but had still received a rundown of the events from some of his teammates. “And word of mouth has it that he was actually the one to spare you after knocking you out. Plus it’s painfully clear that he doesn’t see that tyrant as his dad.”

Caleb was just about to turn and tell Aida that they should get back to their friends until the part about Alastair having a Fivana district trait was mentioned. Sure he had thought it strange when he had announced it, but now that it held more attention Caleb really had time to consider it. The fact about his mother was true- the summoner had frequently had his nose stuck in Delran history books, though perhaps not by choice.
“...is that something important? He told us that himself, and I’m sure we can ask him for an explanation. Both of you are in cells- or have you forgotten?” There were a few details they found out in the interrogation that definitely created more questions for the prince, but Caleb certainly didn’t want Wayne to know that he had doubts.