forum And The Walls Come Tumbling Down (OXO) (closed)

Started February 12, 2020 by @Painted-Iris group

tune

Steps pounding, heart beating. They're coming, they're coming. So… insulting the government nearby some guards was not a very good idea. The entire continent is run by a supreme ruler, only showing favor to those who work beneath him. The men and women in armor, known as the Guarde, only abuse their power. Normal citizens hide in their homes and occasionally leave, sticking to the sidewalks, not daring to look at any of the "Guards" posted. Two of them corner the rebel, grinning, ready to pound them into dust. Until their savior arrives. Well, sort of…

Silvano Keanu Xayvion, supreme ruler of the country. The Guarde salute as he steps closer to the commotion. "At ease," his cold voice commands, and the soldiers arms drop quickly. Silvano looks over the rebel as his knights explain what they plan on doing to them.

"No. I think this one will fit nicely test my new little project," the boy says with a chilling smirk.

The original plan was to snuff out the rebellion with an example of this person. However, they slowly makes him realize how downhill society has really become and he becomes fond of them. Perhaps to the point of truly caring for someone.

Okay, so standard andrew (Our Supreme Lord and Overseer) rules apply here.
This most likely will be a romance story.
Any character you got should work fine, just as long as they are human.
We have a minimal template so we can develop as we go, but I'd like all words please, no links.
Please be at least somewhat experienced please. I'm looking for replies that are more than a few sentences.

Name:
Age:
Gender:
Personality:
Appearance (no current logos, modern clothes are fine):
Other:

Name: Silvano "Sil" Keanu Xayvion
Age: 21
Gender: Male
Personality: Seems cold and calculating, a perfectionist. Arrogant.
Appearance: Vanilla colored skin, short and clean cut black hair. His eyes are a light caramel color that would be considered warm and kind if they belonged to someone else. He stands at 5'9" with a slim form. He tries to appear regal with a longer blue coat with gold trim paired with darker pants and formal black shoes.
Other: He lacks certain social skills. He's only king because his father passed. The previous king wasn't exactly great either though. In short, he's a royal pain.

Here’s one:
By the time night fell, Yuki had received roughly three noise complaints from nearby capsules. Did that stop him? Nope.
It wasn’t until two figures walked into view that he stopped his personal orchestra. One was clearly Reich, based on the burly form of his. The other figure looked feminine, but Yuki could only make out the dim outline.
They muttered to each other, occasionally glancing over at the boy’s cell. Yuki slid up to the glass and forced his face against it. He mumbled loudly, his jaw now numb due to the needles. Even if they took his mask off, he doubted he would be able to speak anyway.
He could tell Reich was upset by the way he carried himself. He wasn’t upholding his usual cocky posture. He looked more intimidated than assertive.
Yuki cocked his head. Whoever this woman was, Reich certainly held her to a high standard.

Then one from another:

The man’s hand flew to meet the blade, holding it there as it began its descent through his skin. Despite the inky blood flowing from his pierced palm, he ripped the sword aside. He placed a firm boot on Lu, tearing the hilt from her grasp.
“We don’t have to f-fight,” Lu coughed, his boot sliding closer to her throat. “Just l-leave the laions alone, okay?”
“How else would I provide for my people, precious halfling?” he replied, his boisterous cackle cutting through the screams.
“Maybe be a b-better leader, tyrant.” She made her best attempt at lifting off his boot, but he pressed harder.
The man leaned down closer, putting an exceeding amount of weight on the girl’s collar.
“You’re going to die,” he whispered, his raspy voice echoing in her ear. “Do you know how?”
Lujik kept silent, trying to breath steadily. The man slipped his own sword back in its holster, taking hold on Lu’s hilt.
He laughed. “I’ll cut your head off with your own sword.”
The sound of an unsheathing weapon caught his attention. Looking down, he could see his sword was out of its carrier.
“Ditto,” a voice muttered behind him.

Name: Arlo Brooks
Age: 20
Gender: Male h/h
Personality: Arlo is often called courageous or brave, but many see it as recklessness or no sense of caution. He just lives his life by the quote “yolo,” trying to be carefree. Many believe it's irresponsible, but Arlo is generally accepted as a nice and reliable person. Although, his clock is roughly always on island time. He is a perfect extrovert as well, always willing to meet and interact with new people.
Appearance: Arlo’s skin is a light mocha color, clear of freckles or different pigment. His eyes are a striking blue and he’s always wearing a genuine smile. His build is skinnier than most, however his muscles are clearly defined. He stands at about 5’11” and holds himself high with a sense of confidence. Arlo has deep black hair that is never styled, so it goes wherever it wants. It’s shaved on the sides and much longer on the top, often falling into his eyes.
Other: He’s a great mechanic, and anything involving engineering is right up his alley.

Silvano ran a hand through his hair, scowling. Why he had to come down here and deal with some peasant was beyond him. Couldn't the Guarde do anything? It was just one townsperson. He sighed as he walked. Of course the streets were empty. Most common folk feared him. Even if they hated him, none were brave enough to say so to his face. However, there was some good in this situation. This would stop an uprising. Stamp out a rebellion before it even started. The knights around him took Silvano towards where a few others were standing. Two guardsmen were facing away towards a smaller form against the wall, but at the sound of heavy steps, they turned to salute. "Bring him forward," the ruler commanded. The Guarde members took the rebel under the arms sloppily, holding him straight.
Silvano stared at the individual coldly, before speaking. He tried not to scoff at the fact the other was taller than him. "I hope you understand the severity of what you're doing, boy," he said, eyeing him with a bit of distaste. The boy looked similar in age, and probably wouldn't be too bad looking if he was cleaned up a bit. Silvano wanted to shake his head. Instead of insulting his court, this boy probably could have gotten a decent role in life. Heck, maybe Silvano might have made him part of the Guarde were he loyal. Alas, that was not the case. "Well? What do you have to say for your crimes against me?"

(So sorry!! I couldn’t find this and forgot the name. I’ll send over the template)

(Don't worry! Here's the starter! I really like Arlo. He'll do nicely :D)

Arlo’s torn clothing hung loosely from his body, his sickly skinny frame holding dusk caked on the skin. If anything, the dust and dirt made his skin seem darker than it was. Scuffs and scratches ran up his sides, some finding their way to his face as well. The scars like constellations dotted his face, and could be easily mistaken as freckles.
Arlo had his eyes narrowed, his whole body filled with that sort of nervous adrenaline— pumping his blood though every vein. His heart pounded like a roaring train skimming on the tracks, and the look in his eyes was almost wild.
“It was a mistake,” Arlo spat, though he sounded sincere. Of course, he was lying, but that was a strong suit of his.
The pocketknife strapped to his thigh burned against his skin— his mind already racing to find a way out of his current predicament. The Guarde hadn’t noticed yet; Arlo had hidden it well within his dark greaves. Though… with Silvano here the action to wrangle himself out was dangerous and reckless. Two words Arlo really enjoyed thoroughly.
Though his arms burned. As did his legs, lungs, and torso. He was exhausted. Tired. Malnourished. The Guarde would have his head off in one clean slash if he tried anything.
So instead Arlo just locked eyes with the ruler, cussing under his breath and breathing heavily. His dark hair fell into his piercing ocean eyes, holding a look of complete hostility, tinged with hatred.

Silvano scoffed at the boy. Damn right it was a mistake. "At least you're smart enough to understand your place," he said. It was odd how he didn't sound angered at that current moment. More annoyed than anything. Silvano's returned glare settled into mild interest as he took in the features of the rebellious male before him. His clothing was tattered and worn. His entirety was filthy from head to toe… Disgusting. At least his eyes were beautiful. They were in direct contrast to his own. Cool ocean combating ruthless wildfire.
After a few moments in silence, the ruler let out a small hum. His lips stretched upwards into a slightly crooked grin. He looked at the Guarde members holding the peasant boy. "I think he'll do nicely. Take him to the castle," Silvano commanded. His amber eyes turned back towards his new captive. "You should be grateful. You're going to live to see another day," he commented in a sing-song tone.

Arlo’s eyes followed Silvano’s every move. His heavy breathing continued, every single one of his muscles aching. Burning. Exhausted.
What would be the point of living another day, if I’m just gonna end us as this guy’s experiment? he asked himself internally, muttering slightly. What does he want with me? Why… why does he want me alive? I… I attacked. Why is he keeping me alive?
His mind raced with millions of possibilities, his eyes looking like that of a caged wild animal. Those were the most dangerous kind.
And, why would I be grateful? he thought. If I’m going to be helping you in some way?
Arlo’s eyes darted from the man before him up to the dark sky above. If only he could be anywhere. Anywhere but here.

The two holding Arlo did as they were instructed and took the boy up towards the intimidating building Silvano called home. Upon entering, they did not stop at the dungeon. No, he was taken to nicer quarters, but not quite comforting. The bed was a twin size with a blue comforter and several pillows. The room also held a desk, a bookshelf, a small wooden wardrobe and a bathroom including a tub and shower. There was also a thin window, but too small for anyone to fit out of. Most importantly… the lock was outside the room and not inside. He would have no choice but to stay where he was. The guardsmen set the male down on the floor of the room before turning immediately to leave.

“H-Hold on a minute!” Arlo called after them, struggling to regain himself. He stumbled back but tried his best to hold himself tall.
This room was nicer than something they would have put a criminal in— Arlo knew that much. It was odd. Extremely odd— that Silvano would have him of all people placed in a room even remotely “fancy.” No, it wasn’t a mansion or the like, but it was even better than a few civilians homes even. Surley better than where Arlo came from.
Still, he’d fight it with all he could. If he was offered ten times his weight in cash right now, he wouldn’t take it. Not from this place. He was stupidly stubborn that way. Stubborn or loyal— he didn’t really know the difference.
“Why here?” was all he could manage to snap at the guards given his current mental state. “Why does he want me?”

One of the two stopped in their tracks and turned around. It seemed to be a male with blonde hair and dark colored eyes. He smirked, seeming to be mocking Arlo's confusion. "Even if I did know, I wouldn't blab my mouth and lose my position," the guard commented. He then turned back and shut the door behind himself, the lock clicking into place.

Silvano hummed to himself as he watched the town from one of the balconies.
"Sir, the prisoner is in his room," he heard a voice say from behind him. Normally, it wouldn't bother Silvano in the slightest to hear the word prisoner. That person deserved punishment. It made him curious as to why he felt something at the word considering that boy. Maybe it was because his sentence wasn't as easy as jailing someone. The room the other was in was like a well accommodated cell though.
Rather than saying anything more, Silvano lazily waved whoever it was away. It was probably time he sit down for dinner anyways. Striding towards the dining hall, his mind kept wandering to the boy; how he would sit in one of the seats beside him, how his room would no longer be locked, how this boy could learn to appreciate what Silvano's rule could give him.
Yes, this was the plan. To most people, it was brainwashing. To Silvano… it was his definition of rehabilitation.

Arlo narrowed his eyes as the door was shut forcefully, then locked right in front of him.
He didn’t bother turning on the lights. Didn’t bother getting his bearings together. Didn’t bother taking a shower, nor washing his hands whatsoever. Didn’t even so much as bother to take a chair.
He just sat. Cross-legged on the floor, his piercing gaze interrupted by closed eyelids. Deep breaths he took, inhaling the dusty air of the room, and exhaling it just as forcefully.
Just like he previously decided— no, promised— he wouldn’t use any of the utilities provided. Deny any food. Water. Sustenance whatsoever. Hell, he wouldn’t sleep if that’s what it took to stay loyal to his people. This wasn’t his place. So he’d push it out as long as he could.
He could still feel the knife strapped tightly to his side. Though, the man payed it no attention.
This wasn’t time for action. It was time for rebellion. So he’d sit here. Sit here until something forced him to do otherwise.

After finishing his meal, the young ruler stood and wiped his mouth with a soft cloth napkin. A light clang captured his attention. A young servant of his had a metal tray for a meal and was headed to the level below. The level in which held the boy he met today. Somehow, Silvano wasn't convinced that the rebel wouldn't try persuading his way to being released. Or something like that. Narrowing his eyes, he quietly trailed behind the girl at a distance. She had a small frame and was working in the castle to avoid debt for her family.

The same guards who had brought Arlo to his room were posted outside the door. They seemed greatly annoyed by their task. At the sight of the servant girl, clad in a white uniform, they stiffened up to their usual intimidating poses. Narrowing their eyes, they noticed the girl only brought food. There was no way the dish wasn't checked before the girl brought it here. Slowly, they let the girl pass and into the room only to quickly shut it once again.
Inside, the girl had to hold a gasp. The room was nicer than her own. Mostly because it was larger and the bed was a size up. And with more furniture… All of this for the prince's project? She blinked a few times before focusing on the boy in the room. He was older than her by a few years, definitely. It confused her as to why the lights weren't on. And why he was sitting in the floor…
"I erm… brought you something to eat."