The makeshift map Zythandra draw became useless at this point due to the fact that they don't have any idea where they are or where they're headed. All they can see is the familiar cells, hallways, torches and the cobwebs hanging the golden ceilings. Teases and roars from other prisoners are being heard asking for their help or just blatantly announcing they want to get rid of their lives.
They found themselves hiding in some sort of a storage room. Movements are gradually becoming more active as time pass by. This only indicates that more and more golden warriors are being sent out to locate them. As long as they don't come across any other Anomalies with hostile agenda, they will be safe at least for the time being. Their main agenda still hangs low yet so hard to accomplish. They have to find a way to get out of the underground prison and ultimately escape the island.
"Look, there are food rations here!" Glass announced.
"Thank the heavens! I'm starving to death here." Surge roared and started to pick up all the food he can find. Various types of bread, fruits and even some kind liquor are stored neatly in the place.
"There are also medical kits in that area." Zythandra said. "Let me see those wounds, ladies."
"We're fine." Beast responded. "You take care of your wounds. You're bleeding." He pointed out.
Reaper took a cracker from the nearest food shelf as he lost himself in thought. This may not be necessarily a bad thing because his comrades knew that he's onto something. It may be for a way to escape or perhaps a way to defeat their enemies. Only he knows. He eventually realized that for them to get away from this predicament, it's necessary for them to triumph against their pursuers whoever they may be.
"Oh, no. He's deep in his thoughts." Surge commented. "I would want him to sing for us." He teased as he munched down an almost perfectly picked apple.
"Not a great time for jokes, Surge." Glass commented.
"What? I'm not joking." Surge responded then Glass raised an eyebrow. "Okay, maybe a little but he's actually good. I didn't know he sings that well." He explains. Glass slightly shrugged his shoulders in agreement.
"I agree. I didn't know that too. That was actually a great diversion." Zythandra said.
"I only heard those kinds of songs from the twins." Beast said as he poured some liquor to one of his open wounds. Everyone expected for him to at least flinch from the pain but he didn't give any reaction then he proceeded to patch himself up.
"You're right." Reaper butted in. He snapped out of his trance. All of them immediately looked sharply at each other indicating that they all thought the same thing. Except for Surge who's still occupied stuffing himself up.
"The Banshee Sisters." Beast muttered to himself.
"They're one of them." Glass said under his breath. There's this anger inside him but not towards the sisters but towards himself. He still couldn't help blaming himself after what happened back in Emerald City. If he was a better leader, his friends wouldn't suffer this fate.
"You're with the sisters before you end up here, right? What happened?" Zythandra asked.
"Oh, right! Those girls." Surge finally caught up. "They started to attack us back at the hut."
"We didn't have a choice but to defend ourselves." Beast added.
"Whatever happened to them after that storm back in Emerald City, they exponentially became more powerful. They took us by surprise but we held our own quite well back there until.." Glass started to explain.
"Until those damn golden warriors showed up!" Surge shrieked.
"The sisters knew we couldn't harm innocent people so they took to their advantage." Beast added.
"Hold on. So, you're saying that the sisters attack you. Did they use their Anomalies?" Reaper asked.
"What kind of question is that? Yes they did. We wouldn't end up here if it's just a hand-to-hand combat, would we? They're only two of them and three of us. They're clearly outnumbered and outmatched." Beast responded intensely.
"Not until those damn golden warrior showed up!" Surge repeated.
"Calm down you two. Infighting at this moment isn't wise." Glass butted in.
"I'm just trying to piece things up here. If we figured out this puzzle we're in, there's a good chance we'll get out of here." Reaper responded.
"Tell us what you're thinking." Zythandra said.
"First of all, we don't really know how many enemies we have out there so we have to be very careful. We all remember that Eve lady and her minions, right? There's a great chance that they're not the only ones we're up against. There may be other entities who wish our demise." Reaper explained.
"You mean the other leaders in the Summit?" Glass asked.
"There's a great chance, yes." Reaper responded.
"We're lucky enough that Tabitha and her people are true allies." Zythandra pointed out.
Reaper went ahead and confirmed that there are five Anomalies they're up against in the area. Due to the brawl between the guys and the sisters, it's safe to say that the twins are two of those five enemies they have. In addition, he confirmed that the Prince is an Anomaly due to the time he first encountered him. Also, he's suspecting that the Elder is an Anomaly as well. For some reason, he didn't sense this with their first few encounters but it's becoming clear now that he's one of them. Only one more individual to figure out. Although he's not completely sure on some of them, he proceeded in naming them.
"It got me thinking." Surge commented.
"Well, that's something." Beast said.
"Beast, not now. Go on, Surge." Glass calmly scolded.
"Do you remember Au's story about the cryptids?" Surge asked.
"What story?" Zythandra seconded.
"Which one? There's a dozen of them, I guess." Reaper responded.
"You see she said that one of those cryptids they claim to have recently caught has the ability to create a copy of itself and do its own bidding." Surge explained.
"Your point is?" Beast asked.
"That ability is a lot like Twice, right?" Surge pointed out.
"You really are onto something there and you might be right." Reaper agreed.
"I told you I'm smart!" Surge proudly announced.
"One in a blue moon, you are." Beast commented silently but Surge heard. Surge just looked at him sharply.
"I tried sensing any other Anomalies in the vicinity but to no avail. It's just us here and the five of them." Reaper confirmed.
"It is set then. It's a one-on-one match!" Surge said excitedly. "What are we waiting for?"
"Well, that's an idea. But, it's not that easy." Zythandra commented.
It was then pointed out by Reaper that Zythandra is absolutely correct. It may be close to impossible even. The reason being is that, apart from them not knowing the extent of their enemies' abilities, they are not familiar with the perimeter. They're in a total disadvantage if they face them head on. It doesn't help them as well that they're not in their best physical condition. With all the fighting they had from being captured and to being partially escaped took a huge toll on them.
"I think this place is pretty remote. We should take some rest just to energize ourselves a bit." Glass suggested.
"I agree. You boys go ahead and do that while I scan the area for potential exit." Zythandra added.
"We should probably all stay together. It's safer that way. At least while we're thinking what our next move will be." Reaper commented.
"We won't get any progress if we all stay here and doing nothing. You all stay here and restore your strength. Just make sure to take turns keeping watch and stand guard until I come back." Zythandra responded.
"I'll join you." Beast butted in. He stood up but his visibly strained from his injuries.
"You with those injuries. No, thank you. Just stay put and brainstorm or something. Glass, I'll leave them to you." Zythandra said as she started to sound annoyed. Glass nodded in response even though he's hesitant.
Reaper then laid their incomplete game plan again. Starting from their very limited knowledge about the place, their current combat abilities, and any information they found about their enemies. He did come up with some strategies but their all pose critical outcomes due to the lack of intel so they were all ultimately scrapped. Glass proceeded to volunteer to standing guard so the rest of them can sleep whatever it is they do to replenish their strengths.
The sounds of bustling footsteps from afar are still being heard from all the golden warriors searching for their intruders and escapees. Reaper and the others became used to it so it doesn't bother them much now so they started to doze off and relax. Beast is sitting cross-armed beside a shelf near the far end of the room snoozing off. Surge is lying down on the cold floor as he finds it most comfortable for some reason. Reaper found himself sleeping on top of a random cot in the room.
On the other hand, Glass started to clean up their mess after everyone's done eating to keep himself occupied. All of a sudden, he heard the doorknob rattle indicating that someone wants to go in the supply room. He instantly realized that they're not in a great position if this person is one of the Anomalies who are after them. He instinctively ran towards where Reaper is waking him in the process.
"What's up? What's happening?" Reaper asked still half awake.
"Quiet! Someone's at the other side of that door." Glass whispered. He gestured his hands then instantaneously glass platforms next to Beast and Surge. He maneuvered his glass platforms to pull them towards where he and Reaper are.
"Whoa! What's the big deal?" Surge reacted.
"Are you serious right now?" Beast asked. Glass gestured at them to quiet down then he created a small glass ball and threw it to the switch triggering the switches to turn off.
"Dome." Glass muttered and a glass dome appeared over the four of them. "Refract." He added. This activates one of his most recent ability that makes everything invisible including his glass from everyone outside.
"Why are we hiding?" Surge asked.
"No way!" Reaper exclaimed.
"What? Why?" Glass asked.
"Tell me that's not Zythandra, right?" Beast commented.
"There are three Anomalies outside!" Reaper announced. "But it appears that the presence of the two of them omits weaker signals than third one. I don't understand."
"Quiet down. The door's opening." Glass said.
The door of the supply room opened seemed so slowly than anyone expected but it was true that three silhouettes came inside. All they can make out are they are all males standing very similarly to each other. Since the only light source is the ones in the hallway, their faces are shrouded in darkness. Before one of them can turn on the lights, Glass made his move without checking with the others.
"Imprison." Glass mouthed then a glass box appeared trapping all three unknown individuals inside.
"What in the world is this?" One of the sketchy characters asked.
"Wait. Is this some kind of glass?" Another one asked.
"It can't be!" The person who Reaper senses normally exclaimed and somehow sounded elated.
Inside the darkness, Reaper and the others witnessed the three silhouettes merged seamlessly into one body. This act intrigued them so Glass undid his dome and turned the lights on with of his tiny glass balls. In everyone's surprise, including the sole person imprisoned, they all saw a very familiar face. It's a former ally who is now aligned with the enemy. Twice stands before them.
"You." Glass said. Sharp glances from him and the others are targeted towards Twice.
"Holy crap!" Twice exclaimed. "It's you guys! I can't believe it." He then walked closer but was stopped in his tracks due to Glass' trick. "It's really you!"
Reaper and the others found his reaction odd. No one should feel so excited seeing their enemies face-to-face especially if it's evident that you're outnumbered. Given his odd response, it appears that he's just got reunited with his friends after a significant time being apart. The tension stayed but obviously died down a little. To be safe, Glass didn't undo the glass box imprisoning Twice.
"I did hear Anomalies have been spotted in the island but I didn't realize it was you guys. We can finally be saved!" Twice said.
"What do you mean saved? Also, you remember us?" Reaper asked.
"I don't understand what's happening." Surge commented.
"Explain yourself, Twice! If that's how you still call yourself." Beast added.
"Right, explanation. Sure! I'll definitely tell everything I know but can you release me first? It's getting pretty cramped in here." Twice suggested.
"No, there's absolutely no way you'll get out of there!" Reaper suddenly popped off. He remembered being too lenient previously that he let someone play with his emotions but all this time he was being a target by some serial killer. This surprised the rest of the guys.
"Ok! I just suggested. It's not like I'm pushing for you to do it." Twice responded. "But really guys, I'm so happy to see you. I thought I'll be pretending to work for them until my very last breath."
"Cut the theatrics. We know your game, Twice." Beast firmly said.
"We won't fall for that again. The sisters already played that friendly card with us and look where it got us." Surge added.
"Yes, the sisters." Twice muttered to himself with a hint of what sounded to be sadness in his tone.
"Enough games, Twice! We demand answers." Glass pointed out.
Meanwhile, Zythandra is blending in well among the golden warriors. No one even has a speck of suspicion towards her as most of them are still busy searching for them. It's really a great idea snatching a golden warrior's armor earlier. She continued to areas she thinks she hasn't been at and tried to expand her map. She suddenly found herself walking towards a room with a slightly open door. Due to her curiosity, she stealthily walked in and was surprised of what she found.
"How's the search going?" The Prince asked. "Are they really hard to cap-" He tried to add but was interrupted by his own coughs. Those coughs seemed troubling as it sounded guttural and painful at the same time.
"Rest, Your Highness!" The Elder worriedly howled. "Don't worry yourself too much about them. I'll take the lead as always. We'll capture them for sure. Here. Have some tea."
At this point, Zythandra realized that she's inside the prince's room and it appears he's ill. That explains why she thought she saw him extremely pale earlier. Then, she moved her gaze towards the Elder who she finds very familiar but she couldn't put a finger as to why. She decided to stay just in case she picks up something crucial to their escape or at least to their victory against them.
"Have you sent summons for the captain?" The Prince asked referring to Au's father.
"I did and he's already on the ground leading his troops." The Elder responded. "But, I have a suggestion."
"What is it, Elder?" The Prince asked while still trying to keep him from coughing so hard.
"Due to the increasing threat the intruders hold, I highly recommend that utilize our greatest defense."
"What do you mean?"
"Midas. We have to unleash Midas."
The sudden change in the atmosphere was felt even by Zythandra who was concealing herself from a distance. Midas? Who or what is it? Zythandra's heart started to beat rapidly knowing that aside from these Anomalies, there's someone or something else they have under their sleeves which means their certain if they commit even an inch of misstep. But, she stayed for any other information.
"I won't allow that. I can't allow that!" The Prince exclaimed as panic rose through him. "I'm not in the condition to contain him. He might become more of a liability than an asset."
"Those intruders are killing every golden warriors they see. If they escape and see the sun, only the deities know what they'll to the rest of the villagers." The Elder howled.
"They've already inflicted that much damage. They already killed golden warriors?" The Prince asked.
"What's that old geezer on about?" Zythandra said under her breath. "No one's dead. We're not killing people."
"What about the prisoner, Elder? How can we keep them safe? They're still my people. I can't have them leave this realm without honor." The Prince commented. Although sounded oddly grim, the prince seemed to follow his own righteous moral code.
"I've already started moving the prisoners to the Viewing Room and the Museum Hall. You don't need to worry about them."
"I suppose we have no other choice. I shouldn't allow any other golden warrior to die in the intruders hands, should I?"
"Whatever you decide, Your Highness. I'll be at your back supporting you all the way."
"Help me get to Midas' Chambers. The sooner I start the reanimation ritual, the sooner I'll wake him. Just prepare some medicinal tools for me so I won't slip up during the process."
"Your demands will be done with great exuberance, Your Highness. Let's go." The Elder said, smirking. He grabbed the prince delicately as they headed to what they refer to as Midas' Chambers. "Careful now." He said as they vanished in the distance.
"This is very bad!" Zythandra shrieked. "I have to inform the others." She then rushed back to the supply room where the others are.
During this time, Twice is fighting everyone's trust. He already confirmed that they were captured by Eve and her people back in Emerald City that stormy day. For some reason, they gained control of the Banshee Sisters and probably their other comrades but not him. He realized early on that something's being done to them so he utilized his Anomaly to keep away from danger but still close to monitor everything until he can seek help or anything that can pull them out of that horrifying situation. He didn't realize that the moment he's wishing for is now being granted. Not unless he finally convince him that he's never been brainwashed and his loyalty is still with the Professor and his friends.
"What do you mean brainwashed?" Reaper asked.
"I'm not actually sure myself. All I know is that we were forced to enter a room in some facility and once we're out, we've suddenly pledged our loyalty to the Coven." Twice explained.
"Coven?" Glass commented sharing puzzled expressions with the others.
"That's what Eve and his people refer to their congregation. As far as they can tell, I've become a part of it but they couldn't be more wrong. As you can see, they don't have any hold on me. I'm just here to gather any information I can to take them down. If no one helps me, I'll do everything in my power to do it myself." Twice proudly announced. "But, you're here now! I couldn't ask for better allies than you guys."
"I'm still not convinced." Beast said.
"He's starting to get me though." Surge commented.
"If what you're saying is true, tell us where are the rest of our friends. Where's Gigas, Swift, Stretch, and everyone else?" Glass asked.
"I wish I can answer you but I'm still finding that out myself. You see, they're doing a good job separating everyone from each other. All I'm with all this time are the Banshee Sisters. However, although I haven't confirmed it yet, the members of the Coven's Inner Circle said that the rest of our comrades are accompanying them. Only the deities know where they currently are." Twice explained while still finding his footing inside the glass box.
"What does the Coven's Inner Circle mean?" Reaper asked.
Twice continued to explain that they're the individuals who attacked them back in Emerald City. The Coven's Inner Circle consists of the most powerful Homunculi and Anomalies loyal to Eve and the Coven's cause. Although small in actual numbers, one is said to be powerful enough to face a thousand military soldiers and stand victorious. Twice proceeded to name who are in the Inner Circle.
"They're most likely the ones we saw before when we're fleeing from the ruins of the mansion." Glass pointed out.
"Yeah, I remember." Surge agreed.
"They're that powerful? There are only five people there. If we include Ever herself, there are six of them. That's how many the Inner Circle is?" Beast asked in confusion and disbelief. There's no way an Anomaly is stronger than that quantity of trained military force.
"Homunculi? Do you mean the Coven are genetically engineering on Anomalies, right?" Reaper asked already tying the information up.
"That's right!" Twice explained.
They've heard rumors of it but it wasn't really been confirmed until now. The Coven proved themselves once again that they're a force to reckon with. Whatever their cause is, it's definitely something they need to bury deep in earth so it won't see the light of day. The situation seemed to becoming dire every passing second and every information unraveled. However, they need all the knowledge they need to at least have the upper hand.
"Five? Maybe they're that many before but not anymore." Twice pointed out.
"They've been recruiting?" Glass asked, surprised.
"Yes. It's said that they recruited two more in but I couldn't confirm who they were. But.." Twice interrupted himself as it seemed a defeating dread overcame him.
"But what?" Surge responded.
"From what I've gathered, the other recruits were two of our former comrades." Twice announced. "And that's not the worst thing. It was said they joined the Inner Circle voluntarily. No brainwashing or some kind of mind control was used."
An incredible feeling devastation devoured every single one of them. They didn't believe this could happen but it did. Someone from their ranks actually joined forces with their enemies and the worst part is that they went under their wing wholeheartedly. Why? No one could ever answer that aside from those people who burnt the bridges. It's only them who can shed a light with their own decision.
"So the Inner Circle comprises of seven individuals now. Eve, Jinx, Void, Nuke.." Twice started counting.
"Nuke. That absolute bastard!" Glass exclaimed.
"I'll end him myself the next time I see him!" Surge shrieked.
"You only named four. Who are the others?" Beast commented.
"There are the other two recruits and Sandata." Twice finished.
"Sandata?" Beast said in shock. His sister was full of hatred towards him if not to the world itself that she managed to become powerful enough to be in the Coven's Inner Circle. This revelation took him by surprise that he looked evidently disturbed.
"Looking back, there's this one individual lurking in the bushes back in the forest area while we're fleeing from the mansion. That might be Sandata." Glass reminisced.
"Oh yeah, I remember someone like that. We couldn't make out any of that person's feature back then." Reaper added.
"So that was Beast's sister." Surge commented.
"Beast has a sister in the Coven?" Twice asked, surprised. "What? Why? How? Is she also working undercover like me? That means, our chances of winning against them improved." Twice announced.
Beast glared at him sharply as if he said something very offensive. Glass, Surge, and Reaper looked at each other noticing that Twice hit Beast sensitive nerve. If Sandata, Beast's sister, is one of our enemies, how can he fight her? From what transpired from their last interaction, he couldn't even lay a finger against her. He was so dazed that Sandata can take advantage of his dozen openings.
"I've heard enough." Beast muttered. He managed to make his anger and sorrow to be under control. "I'll take a walk for a bit. I'll be right back."
"Beast, wait! It's dangerous-" Reaper tried to stopped him but Beast already closed the door before he can even finish.
"I hate the guy but I feel bad for him." Surge commented.
"Let's just let him be for now. He's not that careless to let himself be captured." Glass said.
"I've all the information I know. Do you trust me now?" Twice asked.
"I think we can for now at least." Reaper responded which surprised Surge and Glass. "Glass, please." He beckoned Glass to undo his Anomaly.
"Thank you! I won't let you down." Twice claimed. "I swear to my infinite clones!"
"Wait just a minute!" Surge intervened. "I have one last test for you before I can truly trust you."
"Surge, give it up. We trust him already." Glass said.
"No. Let's let him do whatever it is he's thinking on doing. I don't want any one of you having even a small amount of distrust towards me." Twice responded.
"That's what I'm talking about!" Surge exclaimed. "I want you to tell us something only we know. You know, back in our mansion days."
"I like where this is going." Reaper said.
"Let me see here." Twice started to think.
It took just a few moments for him to think of some facts that only his friends can confirm. Although Glass and Reaper found it odd that Twice took Surge's test hard, they couldn't help themselves but to look forward to what he will say. At this moment, Beast hasn't come back yet but he'll be soon enough as they hoped he'd be. Staying too long outside alone is beyond risky.
"Oh, I got one for each of you!" Twice finally said, excitedly. "You ready?" He asked as he wears a teasing smirk.
"Fire away!" Surge challenged him.
"Let's start with you, Surge. One juicy fact about you is that even though you're attracted to every woman you see, Medusa holds a special spot in your heart. You fancy her the most." Twice confidently shared.
"That's true but that's not a secret. Everyone knew that, right guys?" Surge responded as he looked at Glass and Reaper for their approval. "Even she knows it but she doesn't feel the same way." He added.
"I feel bad for you, Surge. You're just probably not her type." Glass comforted.
"If that didn't pass for you, let me tell something juicier then." Twice insisted.
"Shoot. Amaze me." Surge proudly said.
"Since we're in the topic of you being a ladies' man, I want to share how many times you flirted with Lilith." Twice seemed to become more energized with this thought and the opposite can be said to Surge's reaction. This immediately became entertaining as Glass and Reaper thought. He started raising his fingers to count but said, "Never!".
Twice laughed and surprisingly Glass and Reaper joined him. They didn't think the angelic beauty Lilith possesses flew pass Surge flirt radar. There's no way it did but Surge's reaction said otherwise. He appeared to be so tense that he started sweating cold. If someone could dare to mess with Lilith like that, it would probably be Surge but it turned out that he didn't. So, they all turned their heads towards Surge for some explanation.
"Fine. Laugh at me or tease me all you want but I do admit I didn't flirt with Lilith." Surge confirmed.
"Why is that? Of all people, you didn't shoot your shot with her?" Glass responded while still trying to hold his own laughter.
"That little baby demon-ish thing that's always with terrifies me to my core, man!" Surge exclaimed sending a new wave of laughter to the room.
"You mean Imp?" Reaper asked.
"Yes!" Surge agreed. "Or whatever it is you call that little chimp monster. It feels like whenever I so much look at Lilith, that baby heaven reject always looks at me sharply that he's putting curse on me. I hate that ground booger monster." He explained as he shivers visible as remembers how Lilith's Imp made him feel.
"That's hilarious!" Glass howled. "I always find that little thing oddly cute. How about you, Reaper?"
"Imp may be a little too playful most of the time but he's alright. He balances Lilith's polished poise and demure." Reaper commented.
"Enough of that!" Surge exclaimed. "I don't want to think about that cursed potato any longer. Let's have you say something about Glass. Go on."
"Okay. Here it goes!" Twice excitedly announced. "Glass looks up to the Professor so much so that he thinks that he's his father. The most important to him is the Professor approval."
"Oh! Glass you don't actually." Surge put a closed fist to his mouth and started to tease.
"There's no good in denying so I'll admit it." Glass immediately confessed. "You know my story. He's the first figure that took the role as my father so I think of him as such since then and until my last breath." He proudly explained.
"Okay, okay! No one is fighting you for that, man. You don't need to be so melodramatic about it." Surge butted in. "But tell me this, did you accidentally called him 'Dad' before?" He asked while preparing himself to laugh because he believes he already knew the answer.
"To be perfectly honest, I did." Glass confirmed then everyone laughed as expected. "I called him 'Dad' multiple times actually. Regrettably though, I started to think that he's fine by me calling him that at one point. I just quickly shook that thought off so I still call him Professor like everyone else."
"I don't blame you though. Even he doesn't have children of his own, he's role for being the father for all of us is very admirable. He's doing an amazing job." Reaper agreed.
"That's a good one, Glass. I'll remember that for future reference." Surge teased. "Now, on to Reaper we go!" He beckoned. "What can you tell about him, Twice?"
"I'm not going to lie. We spent a lot less time together so I don't know any juicy facts about him but I heard him say one thing before that he actually looked cool to me back then." Twice said.
"I don't remember saying anything out of line before. I wonder what that could be." Reaper commented.
"Oh, you'll be surprised." Twice emphasized. "I remember say, and I swear this to the deities, he's the most powerful Anomaly amongst all of us if really put his mind to it."
"Really now? That's what you actually think?" Surge asked but there's a hint of excitement instead of him taking offense. Looking at Glass, it felt like he's actually proud of what he just heard but Reaper denied it adamantly.
"I really don't remember saying that." Reaper shrieked. "You probably heard Beast say that."
"Don't point your finger at me, man. I'm just telling you what I surely heard." Twice responded but stood his ground.
Glass and Surge approached Reaper to physically tease him. Playful punches, kicks, and even headlocks were done to the self-proclaimed most powerful Anomaly among them. At present, it may not be true because of the three powerhouses are there –Glass, Surge, and Beast. However, they couldn't deny the fact that Reaper does have great potential. Once he mastered the use of his Anomaly, he'll surely become a colossal force to go up against.