“...And there’s rumors that the king’s throne room is covered in magical runes that only follow the orders of the king. Dunno how they’re controlled, but…” Airin trails off listlessly.

Soe tilts her head to look at Airin. Both of them leaned against the barrier, and from the outside, it could almost look like they were cuddling. Soe pretends she can feel Airin’s warmth through the wall, but it was just the barrier. Magic was warm like that.

Airin’s head slowly dipped to the side, against the barrier.

“...Maybe connected… directly to the king’s… magic?” she mumbled.

Soe blinks, and watches her for a few moments.

Airin was asleep.

She waits for a beat or two before standing up and does her own bit of pacing.

Soe presses her hands against the barrier and pushes against it. It doesn’t budge. She frowns.

Paces around some more. Pause to pick up her knife.

Breathe.

Soe turns sharply towards the nearest ‘wall’ and eyes the distance between her and the barrier. She takes two calculated steps back.

Three meters.

Soe twirls the knife between her fingers.

Breath in.

She takes a step back with one foot and winds her arm back.

And out.

The knife clangs against the magical barrier, but - the barrier detecting no magic from the weapon - it allows the knife to bounce off harmlessly.

Yeah, Soe sighs, Thought so.

And then something explodes.

--

Soe watches with something approaching bewilderment and desperation.

A rebellion occurred on the other side of the barrier. People - maybe braver, maybe stronger, and definitely more magically inclined than Soe - fought the guards. These people took down several and were making their way down the makeshift hall created by cells.

One of these brave rebels is messing with some of the prisons. And the shimmering barriers start coming down.

She slams her hand against the barrier.

“Please! Please, free us!” Soe pleads. This could be their chance!

“Soe…?” Airin sleepily questions, voice alarmed.

“Please!” Soe continues, ignoring Airin for the moment. She’ll feel bad for that later.

But this was important.

Airin gathers herself enough to realize what was happening and soon enough joins Soe - and many other prisoner - in begging.

The release of prisoners is slow work, partially because only a few of those released could help in releasing others. But it also went a little faster seeing as the cells came down in groups.

It feels like a small eternity before Airin and Soe are released, but it comes with a sense of relief.

The first they do is hug.

They still have to leave the building and get away, but Soe squeezes Airin with all her might. They part and Airin stares into Soe’s eyes, her own eyes gleaming. Soe can read what’s on her mind.

Peace is near. Isn’t it?

After a quick stop to pick up her knife, they begin a slow and cautious trek towards the exit.

They circle around a big magical showdown as best they can, and get so close to the main entrance.

And then an oppressive atmosphere presses down on the prison. Soe’s breath catches in her throat.

She stumbles and trips.

Pushing herself up, Soe looks up only to stare.

The Dark Emperor stood at the entrance.