Reaper was shocked knowing that he just regained his consciousness since the incident back at the hut. He immediately felt a cold sensation lingering all over his body. Realizing that he's currently detained in some kind of a prison cell with his arms and legs chained down to the cell floor. His clothes were also stripped down and replaced with some kind of basic plain clothing. Then, he started hearing screams from somewhere in this dungeon-like prison he's in.
"Where and what is this place?" Reaper asked himself.
"You seem young. What crime did you do out there?" A man asked from the cell opposite to Reaper's.
"Who goes there?" Reaper asked in surprise.
"I've been here so long that I forgot my own name, kid. Those people just call us by prisoner numbers. Mine is 530. You can call me that."
"Those people? What do you mean?"
"The Elder, the golden warriors and even the Royal Family. Although, only the prince is the only royal we see around here. It is said that the rest of the royal family were already killed off by some decease."
"What is here exactly? What is this place?"
"You didn't know? We're underground. We're levels beneath the Golden Shrine: the place where criminals can never escape."
"What? We're in the Golden Shrine?" Reaper reacted. "How did I end up here?" He asked himself.
Prisoner 530 also confirmed that he saw Reaper being detained by a number of golden warriors with one other female prisoner who he believed to be Zythandra who was also unconscious at the time and was escorted to someplace else. Suddenly, they heard unnerving screams echoed from deeper inside the facility. Those screams were bloodcurdling enough to send chills both into Reaper's and Prisoner 530's spines.
"What was that?" Reaper asked.
"I don't know, kid. Just be glad it wasn't your female friend." Prisoner 530 said. "It must be that horrifying humor circling around here."
"What rumor?"
"Listen, kid. It is said that the reason why convicts aren't getting out of this place is that they're being executed."
"What? There's no way that's a thing!"
"Do you think that all the prisoners here die peacefully of old age? That's pathetic."
"You seem to be a good man, sir. Why don't you try and escape?"
"You really are pathetic, kid. Of course there were attempts to escape by some other prisoners but they all failed and they end up hastening their execution day. I don't want to die like that. If I can pick how I'll go in this already awful situation we're in, I'll happily pass on by natural causes."
"I can't be in this place. I have a very important task to fulfill."
"That's exactly like what every prisoner say."
The day continued with Reaper formulating every plan he can think of to escape while enduring the distress of the restraints almost digging into his wrists and ankles. However, all the worries he's been feeling about his comrades clouds his thoughts making him unable to think straight. All he can do is trust that they can take care of themselves like they always do. He just had to focus on escaping then find the others after.
"So, Mr. Prisoner. How did you end up here anyway?" Reaper asked out of curiosity. "You don't seem like a bad guy."
"Don't let this façade fool you, kid." Prisoner 530 responded. "My hands are tainted with the blood of the people I killed."
"What? No way! I wouldn't have guessed that. You really do seem like a man with high morals."
"It was true. I was once a man I can truly be proud of until I had to protect myself and the ones I love."
"That sounded really heartbreaking. If it's not too much to ask, can you tell me a little more about your story?"
"You see, I was falsely accused of murdering someone when I'm just trying to protect my family."
Prisoner 530 started to share the devastating story on how he ended up in the infamous Shrine's Prison Cells. He said that he and his wife were managing their crops one fine morning when a madman suddenly showed up and threatened to harm him and the rest of his family. Thinking of his wife and their kids' safety he apprehended the madman and tried to stop him. However, it didn't end up as he hoped it would.
He was overpowered after a few exchange of blows resulting for him to drop to the ground but before he completely lose his consciousness he saw how the madman charged at her wife who was holding their kids at tightly as she can to shield them from their attacker but that didn't do much. The madman mercilessly ended their lives right then and there. With all Prisoner 530's wounds, he couldn't do anything but to watch her treasures be taken away from this world. Crying, he finally lost consciousness.
Once he came to, he was greeted by the townspeople's cruel verdict of him being the one who committed the heinous acts done to his family. He tried to plead his case by telling them it was a madman who he doesn't did it but no one believed him. There's no such man or any signs of him in sight when they were discovered so all the blame fell on him. Since he doesn't have any witnesses he couldn't prove his innocence so the golden warriors, with the Elder's word, imprisoned him until his final days.
"I'm sorry for your loss, sir." Reaper said.
"Thanks, kid. You don't have to, really. I've accepted my fate. I just hope my beautiful wife and children welcome me heaven with open arms." Prisoner 530 responded as he tries his best to not burst out crying.
"But why don't you get out of here and try even harder to prove your innocence? I believe that's what your family would want."
"I tried multiple times but this place is so secured that even a fly couldn't come and go as it pleases. Besides, if you get caught like some of the people I tried to escape with, you'll immediately sent to the Judgement Hall where you'll meet your end."
"Don't lose hope, sir. My friends and I may be able to help you."
"I love your positivity but don't get your hopes up. No prisoner was able to leave this place since the dawn of time. So, sit back and enjoy what little is left for us."
"I refuse! This is not where I'll draw my last breath and so are you. We'll find a way! That I swear."
Prisoner 530 just smiled at him and went back to his cell's darkest corner and seemed to take some rest. Reaper, on the hand, still tries everything and anything that he can think of to escape using whatever it is that he can. He once again tried to chew his way out, aggressively banged the chains to the wall and even the new ability Zythandra told him that his Anomaly can do but all of them failed like the first he tried to do or use them. At this point, he's convinced that Zythandra got it all wrong with his Anomaly works. He can only nullify other Anomalies and not use them like they're his.
"Hey, kid!" Prisoner 530 suddenly called out. "Someone's coming." He whispered.
"What? Where?" Reaper asked.
"Wait. I know these footsteps." Prisoner 530 muttered to himself. "Kid, whatever you do, don't get his attention. It's the prince! I think he's also accompanied by some golden warriors."
Reaper may not understand why Prisoner 530 told him to do as such but he felt he had to follow through with it. Someone eventually dropped by walking passing along the corridor making Reaper able to see who the prince actually is but he's unable to take a good look since the two of the golden warriors he's with are blocking his sight. As soon as the prince and the golden warriors got to Reaper's cell, they paused. This brought both concern and terror to his skin. As Prisoner 530 told him, he did his best to not even make a drop of sweat.
"Take him out of his cell." The prince ordered his golden warriors in the coldest manner. It's as if all his energy has left his system. "Then, put him to the Judgement Hall." He commanded. The two golden warriors saluted and carried out the order.
When Reaper realized the command, he immediately knew that something bad is about to happen to Prisoner 530. However, he can't do anything with his restraints on. He can only watch him being taken away by the golden warriors. Before Prisoner 530 leave Reaper's sight, he looked back and smiled at him warmly as if thanking him with the time they spent together even though it's just a very short while.
"Wake up!" A familiar voice echoed from a near distance.
Reaper didn't realize that he dozed off while trying everything that he can to escape but eventually failing every time. As soon as he woke up, he looked at his wrists and ankles since they're felt like they're in a different level of pain. He noticed that they're unusually red in color and seemed to be about to bleed. He once again heard someone calling out for him somewhere nearby then he looked at the hallway.
"Wake up, Reaper!" Zythandra shrieked. "I can't believe you're still in here."
"What do you expect me to do? Magically free myself?" Reaper sarcastically responded. "Can you do something to help me?" He asked.
"Of course, I can. Stay put."
Zythandra grabbed some hairpins and picked the cell locks. Reaper was in disbelief as she was able to unlock it almost effortlessly. He didn't know that it's actually possible for someone to pick a lock successfully and using just hairpins. It's the first time he saw it first hand and he actually thought that it only happens on TV. She then unlocked Reaper's restraints in no time. Without any other moment to waste, Zythandra told him everything she witnessed while she wondered the prison before she found him.
"Take this." Zythandra said as she handed a piece of paper to Reaper. "It's a map I created it based off of this place but it's not complete, of course. It only has the area of the cells where they kept me restrained to this place. However, there are other points that seemed to be intriguing."
"Wow! Don't be too modest. This map is very detailed. This will definitely help us a lot."
"Stop patronizing me and let's go."
"Go where?"
"I thought you looked at the map? We're going to where the guys are."
"Beast and the others?"
"Yes, those guys."
"Let's get going then. What are we waiting for?" Reaper excitedly said then walked out proudly.
"Don't be foolish!" Zythandra scolded quietly. "I'm more familiar with the perimeter than you are so you follow my lead. Keep quiet and lay low."
"Right. Sorry, I just got carried away back there." Reaper responded.
"Remember. As much as possible, we have to avoid any kinds of confrontation. So when I say lay low, I mean really lay low."
"Roger that. Lead the way."
As the two headed to where Beast and the others are being held, Zythandra asked Reaper if something's bothering him since he seemed to be on edge every step of the way. Without any hesitations, he confirmed he's sensing that there are Anomalies in the area. Because how big the underground prison seemed to be, he can't pinpoint how many there are and where are they exactly located. However, he remembered the familiar sensation he felt when he met the prince. Although unsure, he mentioned that there's a chance that the prince himself is one of them.
"That's interesting." Zythandra commented.
"Speaking of the prince, I have to do something. Actually, we have to do something before saving the guys." Reaper responded.
"What's that supposed to be? In case you forgot, time is of the essence here. We can't afford to waste even a second."
"I know but this is really important. You see, I think the justice system in this place is severely flawed. And if I don't do anything, an innocent man will might perish."
Zythandra is visibly becoming furious due to the fact the Reaper is not going along with her plan. Then, not expecting that their situation couldn't get any worse, the alarm went off signaling something happened. The announcement confirmed that the prison was breached. Running footsteps started to echo the place signaling that the golden warriors were alerted of their attempt of search, rescue and escape.
"Well, we're screwed!" Zythandra quietly shrieked as she positioned Reaper and herself as hidden as physically possible.
"Let me think of something. May I see the map again?" Reaper responded then she handed the map to him. They then heard a group of golden warriors charging towards their hiding spot.
"Call out to me when you come up with something. I'll handle these pests!"
Reaper realized that the Judgement Hall where Prisoner 530 was escorted to is closer to where they are than the prison cell where Beast and the other are being held. At this point, he realized that if he's going to do something to save this person, he must do it now. He quickly called out to Zythandra to lay out his plan. Little did she know, they're not going to where Beast and the others are but to the place to where he hopes to save a friend he just met.
They were able to stealthily arrive at the Judgement Hall. They did arrive at their location safely since Zythandra took the clothes off of some golden warriors who she knocked down earlier and she and Reaper wore them to blend in well in the area. As they arrived, Zythandra was confused as this is not the place where Beast and the others are detained. The only thing they can see is a huge arc serving as the entrance and far end of the huge dimly-lit room is some kind of a throne. As they cautious looked closer, they saw someone chained in the middle of the room. Reaper confirmed that it's his friend Prisoner 530. With the relieved look in Reaper's face, the opposite can be said to Zythandra's.
"What are we doing here? This is not where Beast and the others are held."
"I'm really sorry. I just really have to do this. I promise that we'll go save them as soon as we're done here. I just couldn't leave him here. I won't forgive myself if something happened to him when I know I can do something to prevent it."
"You better have a plan. I'll repeat myself. We can't afford combat. They can easily outnumber us."
"I know. Don't worry. I think I have something in mind for this. Come on!"
For precautionary measures, they quietly entered the room. As soon as they got inside, they realized that a trial is being taken place. The room is surrounded by other golden warriors who seem to serve as witnesses and jury. The throne they saw at the end of the room isn't occupied yet but standing next to it is the village Elder. To make the atmosphere more eerie all of the golden warriors are chanting seemingly waiting for something.
"What is going on here? That chained guy looks like his at the end of the line." Zythandra asked as she noticed everything that's happening.
"This is bad." Reaper commented.
"What is? Did you just realize that your plan in saving that guy has gone in vain?"
"The prince is also here."
As Reaper confirmed the royalty's arrival, the familiar sensation he sensed from him earlier came back with him. At this point, Reaper is almost certain that the prince is an Anomaly like him but what his abilities can be is the true question. Should they just swoop in and fetch Prisoner 530, challenge everyone in the room until they can leave with him or just leave him be and continue rescuing their friends? For now, all they can do is continue to monitor and assess the situation. While Reaper is bothered by this idea, Zythandra looked like she's puzzled by the situation herself.
"Are you alright?" Reaper asked.
"For doing reconnaissance work in the past few days, this is the first time I'm seeing him in the flesh. I feel like I've seen him before but I can't put a finger on it." Zythandra responded.
The peculiarity of the place isn't helping them assess the situation. Everywhere they look, all they can see is gold. It appears that almost everything inside this underground prison is totally made of that material, unlike the rest of the buildings in the village wherein they just have a touch of gold on them. To everyone's surprise, the prince stood up and walked towards Prisoner 530. Reaper's friend became more and more anxious, terrified even, as the prince got closer to him. Reaper is becoming more unease on the other hand. It's as if he's about to jump into action without any concrete plans.
"Restrain yourself. We're not here to fight just in case you forgot." Zythandra pointed out.
"I know. It's just that I can't just sit here while a friend is in imminent danger."
"We don't know that. Maybe the prince wants to speak with up close and personal."
As soon as the prince reached Prisoner 530, he started to talk to him like a friend who he couldn't bond with for years. No one seemed to bother at this behavior aside from Reaper, Zythandra and Prisoner 530 himself so this is probably a normal trait of him. But then, he finally got to the topic where the trial officially started. The prince started to ask questions about his murders. This once again took Reaper by surprise because he didn't know about this. All he knows is that he killed someone by protecting his family.
"That isn't true Your Highness! I swear that I just killed that man to save my entire family." Prisoner 530 howled.
"Is that so? Tell me. What's your wife's name?" The prince asked then Prisoner 530 went silent. All that're being heard from him was his sobbing and the clanging of the chains used to hold him down.
"Please, Your Highness! I beg of you. Is it a crime for a husband and a father to save his family?"
"All I heard was you don't know the name of your wife. How about your children's names? What are they?"
"They are- They're-" Prisoner 530 couldn't continue with his answer as he sobbed even harder. "Is this how you hold a trial? You are so heartless! Every single one of you is worse than the man who killed my entire family."
The prince started to call on the witnesses that are present in this trial. Witness after witness, the odds are becoming farther and farther from Prisoner 530. Every witness points out that what he was claiming that happened is completely a hoax. That is an obvious reason why he couldn't even name his wife and children who he claims he loves so much.
"I've had enough of this clown! Prisoner 530, also known as Walid Welloy, you are found guilty of multiple counts of murder."
Like a scared child, Prisoner 530 couldn't do anything but close his eyes and try to accept his fate. Knowing that the prince is about to use his Anomaly, Reaper instinctively used his to nullify whatever the prince is cooking up. For some reason, he still strongly believes that his friend is falsely accused of murdering his very own family.
Seconds passed but nothing's happening and everyone is still expecting something to take place. The prince has become obviously confused and concerned at the same time. From far behind, the village Elder appeared to panic a little. Walid noticed the awkward silence so he decided to finally break it and break it hard he did. All of a sudden, his aura changed drastically.
"What's the matter, Your Highness?" Walid asked as he addressed the prince sarcastically. "The cat caught your tongue?" Then laughed maniacally, echoing throughout every corner of the hall.
"Such insolence!" The village Elder shrieked. "How dare you address His Highness with such filthy attitude?"
"Why not? It's fun! You should try it sometimes or better yet, try all the time. You know what? I've had enough of your clownery! If you're going to kill me, just do it. This is getting too boring by the second."
"You finally revealed yourself, Prisoner 530." The prince calmly responded.
"I did, didn't I? You should congratulate yourself! You finally broke my innocent man façade." Walid said as sarcastically as ever.
Walid continued to proudly tell the story of his most recent massacre. He confirmed that he stumbled upon a barn house one day after a chaotic night from a local bar. His urge to kill people suddenly kicked in so he targeted everyone in that barn house. The father of that family noticed him immediately and tried his best to defend his family but he was overpowered eventually.
Noticing that the head of the family perished, the mother lead their children to someplace they thought were safe inside their home but they found not too long after. Walid didn't hesitate to share all the horrid details he did to every single member of the family. Hearing all these testaments broke Reaper's trust to the man making him silent in disbelief and weak on his knees. It's obvious that Walid doesn't king of remorse about everything he did and if given a chance, he won't hesitate to do it again. Then, the entire hall was filled with Walid's maniacal laugh.
"Wait, I just remembered!" Walid exclaimed. "There's this kid I told my intricately made story to and he totally fell for it. That was so hilarious! I missed that guy. If he's not dead yet, I want to kill him myself." He added then continued to laugh hysterically.
"You've said enough." The prince commented. "Spear him." He commanded firmly. Then, two robed individuals came out of the crowd from the east and west sides. They threw a spear each hitting his neck and head instantly killing him on the spot. The entire hall that was initially filled with bloodcurdling laughs was replaced by the cheers of everyone who witnessed the execution.
Hearing all these revelations, Reaper became disoriented because it's true that he truly believed that Walid was innocent but it turned out to be the total opposite. He felt his knees liquefy and was in the verge of falling to the ground but then Zythandra caught him in time. The series of footsteps echoing away from the perimeter indicate that everyone is leaving the hall. However, Zythandra noticed that the prince sat on his throne and aside from the village Elder, they're accompanied by three other individuals but she can't who they are as they are being blocked by one of the golden pillars surrounding the place.
"We've confirmed that the escapees are the two we just recently captured." The Elder said. "Bring the man alive." He instructed.
"How about the woman?" Two female voices heard asking in harmony.
"Kill her with own hands, feed her to the bears, skin her alive. You're call." The Elder responded.
"As you command, Sha-" The three of people present said but was cut off.
"Go!" The Elder growled. The prince looked at them with confusion but he shrugged it off as their more pressing matters to focus on. The three ran off and joined the search.
It's in high regard that no one has ever escaped the underground prison since it's been founded and the prince is determined to keep it that way as long as he lives. He and his ancestors sworn to their people peace and prosperity and that's what he wants to uphold whatever the circumstances. With the help of the village Elder and all the elders before him, they are able to hold up to that almost impossible standard.
"We have to go to, Reaper. They're onto us." Zythandra said. "I really have to find the guys and find a way out fast."
Though still in a daze, Reaper mustered up his strength to continue with their task in saving Beast and the others. When Zythandra thought that the situation couldn't be more horrid, it did. On their way to Beast's cells, Reaper confirmed that the three individuals she saw are Anomalies as well and he may emit a much fainter sensation, he's almost certain that the Elder could also be one.
"What?" Zythandra exclaimed. "Do you mean to say that we're up against five Anomalies?"
"Most likely." Reaper confirmed.
"We'll be in a pinch if we take them head-on. Now we really need to make sure not to be in any of their radar."
"I'll try everything I can to make that happen so we can focus on our escape."
Both of them understood that one wrong move can cause them their very lives so they to have to be extremely delicate with every action they make. Luckily, they were able to the cells where Beast and the others uneventfully but they noticed that the number of guards are doubled compared to the ones back to was Reaper was held so their rescue pose numerous concerns right of the bat.
"Anything on your mind, Reaper?" Zythandra asked but he didn't respond.
Reaper was in some kind of trance-like state or Zen indicating that he's thinking. He sat crossed legs, hands clasped into each other and looking straight in the distance. All the commotion from the numerous footsteps, inaudible calls and clanging of weapons by the golden warriors guarding the area seem to not bother Reaper at all. He then confirmed which cell Beast's and the others are held exactly by sensing their presences. They're inside what looks like a massive vault at the very end of the hallway all covered in gold. In front of the vault are two robed guards similar to the ones who speared Walid.
"I'm going in. You said they're at the farthest cell, right?" Zythandra asked.
"Yes."
"That's good enough. I'll do my thing now so stay put. When I give you a signal, distract them."
"Wait! How? It's too dangero-"
"Oh, you'll know. Ciao."
She stood up, adjusted the clothes she took from one of the golden warriors, took a deep breath then finally took off. A proper disguise and the right state of mind can do wonders. Reaper is seeing first hand Zythandra's years of experience doing espionage activities. She blends in so well that she seems invisible in everyone else's eyes except for him. She glided through everyone effortlessly until she arrived in front of the two robed individuals.
The robed guards look at Zythandra in the eye thinking that one other golden warrior is acting not right. She looked back at them in the eyes then visibly smirked with somehow offended the two guards. They started to approach her but then she raised both her arms in the air. Reaper saw this gesture of her as he's increasingly becoming nervous. What can he do to distract everyone? What is she thinking? What is she about to do? As she fully outstretched her arms, she snaps her fingers.
The simple act of snapping fingers isn't in Reapers list of signals but he knows that it's the signal she's referring to. The snaps were so loud that it visibly made everyone stop on their feet then simultaneously looked at her like a horde of undead. The sudden turns of their heads were creepy to say the least. He knows that she's expecting a distraction and she needs it now.
"What am I going to do?"
Reaper started panicking. He looked to from his left side to his right side to see if there's anything that can make a sound but there's nothing. He looked up and on the floor and still nothing. All he has is some kind of an elevated platform he's currently hiding. He heard another series of snaps from the other side of the hallway indicating that Zythandra needs to have that distraction now.
"Fuck it!"
He made his way up to what looked like a podium in the middle of the platform allowing everyone to take a good look at him and him overseeing everything throughout the floor. He coughed and coughed some more a little louder than the previous one. Surely enough, every golden warrior in area turned their gazes at him and away from Zythandra. She instantly knew he's onto something so she went ahead and apprehended the robed guards and got the keys to unlock Beast's cell. All of this was done silently as if nothing happened so discreetly that no other golden warrior even bothered to look back at them.
"Nessun dorma! Nessun dorma!~" Reaper started singing Nessun Dorma by The Three Tenors with his lungs out which seemed to work as a proper distraction. All the guards are looking at him and seemed to be enjoying what his doing.
Realizing that his weirdly doing a great job keeping everyone's attention to him, he continued singing and started enjoying it as if his not in any kind of danger whatsoever. For him, it felt like there's no one after them, everything is out of harm's way; every one of them is safe. From afar, he saw Zythandra successfully unlocking their targeted cell and going in not before she can flash a proud smirk at him like she's gesturing that he met or even exceeded her expectations.
"Ed il mio bacio scioglierà il silenzio~" He continued singing not realizing that the song is at its second half but Zythandra and the others are still inside the cell. Come on. He started thinking.
Zythandra did find the guys inside the cell with disturbingly large amount of chains surrounding them. It turned out that they were originally heavily locked and chained up with those chains from almost every limb of their being but with the use of their Anomalies they were able to free themselves but they used up all of their energy from their fight back at their hut up until this point that they could break through the golden vault.
She put them up to speed of what they've gathered so far and why Reaper is not with them. Knowing that Reaper is the only one keeping the guards outside their cell at bay, there's only one thing that cane to their minds. How? They immediately exited the cell and they were greeted by an unusual scene. Beast, Glass and Surge all saw that the golden warriors are so focused at Reaper singing that no one is guarding them anymore. All Zythandra can do is laugh.
"Vincerò Vincerò~" Reaper held on to that last note like it's the last thing he can do. He's still into his own space that he didn't notice that his friends are already escaped.
After that surprisingly exquisite performance, the room was filled with nothing but silence as if nothing just happened. All they hear is Reaper catching his breath. When everyone snapped out of their awe when one of the robed guards announced that their prisoners have escaped. The other robed guard sounded the alarm alerting everyone else near the vicinity of the emergency.
"He's one of them!" One of the golden warriors barked. "Spear him!" He shouted looking and pointing at Reaper.
A rain of spears is suddenly thrown at Reaper rapidly at the end of the hallway. He immediately realized that he wouldn't be fast enough to find cover. Glass then sprang into action from the other end of the hallway. He conjured a glass barrier separating Reaper to the rest of them. All the spears were parried, blocked and even snapped on impact. This surely saved Reaper from heavy damage or even from death's gates.
"Stop them!" Another golden warrior howled now looking at Zythandra and the guys.
They know that they can't seriously harm these people so they try very hard to just knock them all out and use their Anomalies as minimal as possible. While their paving their way out, Reaper decided to join in the fray. He picked up a spear for himself and made his own way towards his comrades. They eventually met in the middle of the hallway. Now, all they can hear are the cheers from other inmates that are locked up in other cells.
"We have to go! I can sense them closing in." Reaper announced.