First 48 Hours

[Matthew]

[At HQ]

Matthew then apologized to his dad and went to one of the rooms that were set up for the Cipher family and found one of the books that he had, which he had stolen from his mother’s belongings. It was a book on angelic language- one of the many ways that people used to communicate with angels. The angelic alphabet didn’t look like a traditional alphabet. Instead it looked like symbols. Runes. Matthew guesses the reason why his mother had this book was because she was reconnecting with her angelic lineage. Trying to be confident in who she is, instead of bothered by the comments that people can sometimes make. It wasn’t his mother’s job to explain to people why she got married, lost her virginity, and had kids. This family was what she wanted. Expressing the love toward his father was what she enjoyed.

Matthew was the result of the love between his parents and as he looked through the book he did see that his mother had made a few notes and had translated a few runes into readable sentences.

Angel language was far more limited than modern English but she was studying it. “Now that’s interesting… Mom’s connecting with her roots again. I wonder if she learned some new abilities through this. I better show dad.” Soon Zero’s son came back to everyone but had changed his clothes. ‘Gotta look the part if we are going to rescue mom.’




“Hey dad? Got a sec? Looks like mom’s been keeping something to herself for a little while. See look at this! This is angelic language. The symbols look like runes. I wonder if she was preparing herself during her free time for what she had to do in that hell hole. And I can feel her energy again. It’s a little weak but she’s still alive.” Matthew looked at his Grandpa Jean. "Grandpa? Do you know anything about spiritual holy powers? Especially these runes mom’s studying?” Matthew placed the book in front of his grandfather. “You used to be closely affiliated with the church. So you must know something.” Matthew’s blue eyes glowed with determination as he stared down one of his favourite people. The Cipher family had a unique thing about their eyes, that even Mitsuko had picked up on it.

Whenever they looked at people they wouldn’t just look at their face, but their soul. Mitsuko always showed empathy and kindness whenever she looked at someone, friend or foe. But Zero and Matthew’s eyes would express a little more intensity. "Before anyone asks I'll just say it. Mom's okay. She's hurt but she's okay. And no she hasn't been sexually assualted. Her emotions would have been a huge mess if she was. I would have felt them."

[Mitsuko]

Mitsuko was shocked to see her ex-boyfriend in front of her and helping her with the open wound, and her sister. Listening to Syani’s reminder that it’s okay to accept help especially from those that care about her-- and that did include Neji she nodded. Once she was back on her feet she first whispered something in her sister’s ear. “Uhhh Sis? That’s Neji. My ex boyfriend. It’s a little awkward that he is helping me, but after the conversation that he and I both had recently it’s okay to accept his help.” Mitsuko then looked at the situation and felt it was time to call in her family. So with a little angelic magic, she contacted them well first she dispelled the supernatural interference, and then she contacted them.

She began speaking in angelic language, it was a little rough and she probably sounded funny but the point was the same. With what she had learned so far there was a way to reach her loved ones even if her watch wasn’t available.

On this full moon tonight
(C oi full graa tonight)

I ask that my voice reaches my family
(ol lava ar ol bia reaches ol family)

With the supernatural interference dispelled she just spoke to her family from afar, but they could hear her. “Zero, Matthew, Dad! Can you hear me? If you can please listen to me very carefully. I don’t have my angelic watch, I think mine got destroyed during the fight. I’m okay. Syani’s here with me… and…. Neji. He helped me before Syani got here, and put pressure on an open wound that I got. We need help. Not to keep fighting, but to get the heavens out of here. I did what I could for innocent people, but we have to go! May is still injured and will still need medical attention to survive. But I need to come home. Now. And Zero? I’m dropping to part time status as a pediatric nurse. This was the straw that broke the camel’s back. We’ll talk more when I get home. For now. Come get me please.”

Mitsuko then tended to the innocent teens that were there once everything quieted down, and she gave them this reassurance, because they had just seen their fellow demons go crazy. The angel spoke kindly to them. “It’s not what you are or who you are that makes a person evil. It’s their choices. Just because you are demons, doesn’t mean that you aren’t kind.” She then turned to Syani and Neji. “Thank you. Both of you.”

[NPC: Male]

Neji and Mitsuko glanced at each other kindly and since the angel was exhausted she allowed Neji to support her body weight while she stood by wrapping an arm around her. Her husband may get uncomfortable to see two exes who share a past in the same room together after so many years, but Neji had the feeling that Mitsuko would reassure her husband immediately. If Zero needs multiple reassurances Mitsuko will make sure that he gets them. Neji’s role right now was to fill in a gap until her husband and family got to her, and he wasn’t just going to let her fall to the ground.

Neji eventually felt Mitsuko lose her balance a little as she fell into his body. “Easy Michi. Easy. Hang on to Syani for a minute.” When his arms were free he took out a canteen of water, and an energy bar.“Here. I want you to drink this, and eat this. I’m sorry but the energy bar is not meant to taste good. It’s only meant for nutrition, so it will taste bad. Even I hate them.”

[Jean]

[At Bounty Hunter's HQ]

“Angelic Language is”－ When Jean was just about to answer Matthew’s direct comment about him knowing a little something about angelic language, they were all interrupted and startled by hearing Mitsuko’s voice out of nowhere. They couldn’t see her, and it took them a hot second to comprehend what she had learned to do. Jean also knew that Zero was beating himself up for not trusting his wife in the first place. It was clear as day to everyone in that room, that Mitsuko had a plan even before she stepped foot in the prison, and she had made use of her free time by preparing diligently- even preparing her will if something were to go horrendously wrong. She loved her family and she wanted to look after them- even if she died.

But Jean and Mitsuko had kept a tiny secret from Zero for years. Jean had known Mitsuko even before she and Zero reunited as adults in Ida Valley due to her being a part of a nursing internship program when she was wrapping up her studies. This internship was mandatory for her to earn her diploma and to help her get a job. So naturally, while working at the hospital in Gradia, Mitsuko was introduced to Jean who would lend his assistance if there was a case which needed to be handled by the bounty hunters.

Legally, Jean and her supervisor knew her true identity but once Mitsuko’s biological dad had entered the domain, the angel went under the alias: ”Angelise.” It was the only way she could protect herself and prevent the man from interrupting her education.

During her time as “Angelise” Jean got to know her very well, and he could see why Zero was smitten.

(A little flashback into Zero’s memories while everyone hears her voice when Mitsuko finally communicated from afar in that prison.)

Zero was only 18 at the time so of course, he probably felt some confusion in regards to his true feelings for her, when people teased him about it, but as we know later, what Zero felt for her was love. It just took time for both Mitsuko and him to realize it, because: 1) Zero and Mitsuko were very young. 2) Mitsuko was still grieving the loss of her first relationship because there was no closure and was trying to protect her heart, and 3) they had to get to know each other all over again.

They certainly did take their time by rebuilding the foundations of their friendship, but no matter how careful they were and how many times they danced around what was happening between them (by making lighthearted jokes about it) once they got to know each other all over again, they couldn’t deny the chemistry, and the bond they had with each other since their childhood. Realizing that they couldn’t fight this, they started dating after their friendship anniversary celebration at the amusement park.

Zero took her out every Friday night after a long work week and on those dates they would talk about everything. Talk about what was bothering them- letting each other have a space to vent about things or uh people, giving advice to each other when it was appropriate, spending time with the puppy that had stolen Mitsuko’s sketchbook and ran off with it, and they even made a little fun of the prince that had tried to kill her. They certainly found humor in that situation- they laughed so hard about it.

The more Zero visited Mitsuko in Sougen, the more familiar he became with the area, to the point that he wanted to try walking her home after each date without her guidance. Mitsuko would ask Zero if he needed her to show him where to go, but he told her no, he wanted to try. So she let him. Zero eventually succeeded in walking her home all on his own after a date they had, and he was so proud. Mitsuko was proud of him. While there were a lot of people that couldn’t get along with Zero too well because of his rough exterior, Mitsuko embraced him with open arms, she truly did love him for who he was.

After Zero walked her home from each date he would kiss her good night in front of the Alamo Inn-where she lived. Mitsuko didn’t invite him to come in after a date because she wasn’t ready for their relationship to turn sexual and Zero respected her and the boundary even if HE felt ready. If their dates took place at the inn it was usually outside under the stars. It was also during one of their many dates and time spent together that Zero realized that Mitsuko was the one he was going to marry.





Yes, many people would look at the two of them and think that they were quite the opposite, but when Zero and Mitsuko looked at each other they could feel the love between them. That’s all that mattered.

Mitsuko and Zero were absolutely the best of friends even as their friendship turned into romantic love, and that was a beautiful thing. When their relationship finally became sexual after plenty communication, their bond had deepened after that night, and they unknowingly had conceived their son. To know that Zero and Mitsuko could create something so precious even after all the trauma they endured? It proved to Zero that he deserved everything that was good, despite his rough start in life, and that he could be loved, and he could love in return.

He loved his wife deeply.

(Flashback of memories end here)

Jean glanced over at Zero and was concerned about Neji being there, but he had faith that Zero could handle this. And by the look on his face, Zero’s resolve to get to his wife was stronger, and that he too was remembering precious memories as he stood there quietly. “Alright. You heard our princess. Let’s get a move on.”

[Matthew]

His grandfather couldn’t have told them to get a move on fast enough, that Matthew was already flying back to the prison for his mother and aunt Syani. He was going to protect them. When he arrived at the prison he entered through a broken glass window that was already there thanks to his mother’s ex-boyfriend. Matthew went in front of his favourite aunt and mother immediately- and Matthew did have an uncle Hunter moment in which he said in his mind: ‘Oh god. It’s a MAN holding mom.. Not just any man… her ex-boyfriend of all people. Hope dad will be okay when he catches sight of this. Even if he isn’t I hope he just focuses on his love for her. I don’t sense any ill intentions from the dude but.. he better not get in the way of my parents marriage.’

Matthew was snapped out of his thoughts when he saw a demonic spirit about to attack his mom and aunt, and his mom was way too exhausted to do anything, and Neji was holding his mother so his hands were full. Literally. Matthew was prepared to help, and maybe show off a bit. “What the hell is that?!”



Matthew attacked the demonic spirit while shouting: “NOT my auntie or my mother you son of a bitch!” The demonic spirit was destroyed by his weapon. “Are you two alright?” Matthew’s eyes were glowing from how focused he was.

[Angel]

Timeline to match his entrance: Many years later.

Bursting in the prison located on Justice Peak was a son of the devil himself. Angel was absolutely disgusted and angry at what had happened here, and this was why he had refused his father’s request in the first place- because of the hell that was occurring here. He didn’t want to make things worse. He had morals and values and he was sticking to them. So with his war scythe he took down a few more demons and he too went to assist the resident angel. Yes, she already had a lot more help on the way, but it was also Angel’s duty to respond. “Shit. Mitsuko have you been waiting for help this whole time? I see you defended yourself well. It’s impressive at most, but I must apologize for this. I had NO idea the prison had gotten much worse. I'm doing what I can to fix this. I’m so sorry I got here too late. Please get the medical attention you need as soon as you get out of here okay? Matthew? Boy you’re almost as tall as your dad now. Take this coin. For good luck.” The police officer tossed a coin the boy’s way.

For the many years he’s known Matthew he’d always toss him coins whnever he'd see him, almost as if they were a good luck charm to help the family out of tough situations whenever they hit, and since Angel was the son of a witch well it was to be expected that he’d know a little about turning ordinary everyday objects into magical ones. He still took classes though to learn more about this and further his knowledge.

[Zero]

His son Matthew had approached him with a book filled with some kind of runes, claiming it to be angelic language. Zero's heart shook at the acknowledgement that Mitsuko has been diligently preparing herself for whatever that's going to happen in that prison.

He held into Matthew's emotional connection to Mitsuko like a lifeline, listening to what he feels of her energy to make sure she's alright.

All of a sudden, Mitsuko's voice rang like a bell to everyone in the room. Zero jumps in his skin and looks around, expecting to see his wife somewhere. It dawns on him after the initial shock that she's sending them a message from the prison itself, helpfully filling them in on the situation as well as her need to get her out of there.

A part of him felt relief that she's not currently alone. That witch is there with her, as well as a name he has heard of before. His sharp memory recalls Mitsuko telling him about her previous exes before, and the name Neji fits the bill. He puts the thought aside before his jealousy consumes it, and instead got his coat. "Let's go! Matt, fly as fast as you can!"

He saw Matthew immediately flying off through the skies to reach the prison, while Zero gets a move on his motorcycle. He speeds through the lost lands so fast, the rest of the bounty hunters were left behind in the dirt.

[Syani]

Syani leans in closer when Mitsuko wanted to whisper something in her ear, yet she can't help the surprise she felt when she learns that this stranger is actually her sister's ex-boyfriend. Syani's gasped audibly at this information, incredibly shocked, and a jail cell some ways away exploded with her telekinesis.

'Calm down, calm down! Your telekinesis is connected to your emotions, calm down...' And with a deep breath, the vampire smiles tightly over at Mitsuko. "We are having tea to talk about all of this in more delicious detail soon, mkay?" Of course Syani finds all of these drama incredibly appealing to gossip about.

She had lent Mitsuko her energy and some magical power, and with that, the angel went and summoned the cavalry with her angelic tongue. The cavalry being her family. As a magician herself, Syani can sense the interference around the prison dispelled and gave a slow clap to Mitsuko. "Guess that's what love can do."

While the angel is talking to her family, Syani made herself useful by misdirecting and blocking the fight away from her sister. Telekinesis has its perks, she just needs the focus to do so. She was so preoccupied, she did not notice Mistuko couldn't even stand right and had to lean onto her ex for support.

When the fighting was at a standstill for a moment, Syani took her time to catch her breath and downs a potion in a single gulp. Being an enchantress, she's not meant to fight, she excels in buffing before a fight even starts. The potion steadied her shaking arms and calms her nerves.

Intending to check on her sister, Syani turns around and sees Mitsuko and Neji wrapped around each other, though in pain in this context. The man then took out some food supply for her, and now Syani has a slightly positive impression of this ex. Just very slightly.

It was then that she sensed a dark presence. The vampire turns around just in time to face a spirit so deep in vengeance, it's glowing in black and red. Its movements are erratic, disjointed. Syani slowly walks around Mitsuko and Neji so she would stand in between this creature and them, considering they hadn't noticed it's existence yet. Before she could plan any further, she heard the familiar cry of surprise from none other than Matthew.

"Wha-" It was at that moment when she got distracted, failing to notice the creature lunging straight at them. Matthew attacks the thing just in time, and the spirit was vanquished. Syani stood slack-jawed at what just happened and slowly drops her arms down. "That was close... Oh gosh. Thank you, Matthew..."

But the night did not end there. More help came out of nowhere. Perhaps it was a blessing that Mitsuko is so well-loved, in her greatest time of need, one by one of her circle of friends and family came to help. Syani does not recognize this new brunette man, but any help is welcomed at this moment. He communicated to both Mitsuko and Matthew for a short moment, and suddenly they heard the front gate opening.

"Ah. The bounty hunters are here." The erratic gunshots clued her in. Syani immediately feels the tenseness in her shoulders drop. Finally, it feels like things will be safe.

[Zero]

After showing his bounty hunter badge to the front guard of the prison, Zero was allowed in and he went in guns blazing. For every aggressive prisoner, be they human or any other creature, he shoots them in the leg. For every medical staff they've hurt, he felt it's karmic debt that they don't have anyone to patch them up.

Zero is angry, so angry he does not see reason. He sees red and nothing less. He's absolutely disgusted that his wife was sent here.

His loud gunshots earned him the prison's attention. Some of the prisoners harbors deep grudges against him, since he's the one who puts them here in the first place. They believe they have strength in numbers and tried to take a jump on him, but before Zero could react, he heard a gunshot behind him.

[Hunter]

Hunter blows against the nozzle of his gun after shooting the prisoner who tried to jump on Zero. "Hey, hey. Play nice, people. Not like you could escape. Why the aggression?" He fixes his hat, a smile is on his face, but his eyes are sharp and not amused.

Jean is beside him, and by the sight of the chief of the bounty hunters standing right there, most of the prisoners growls. Jean went off to command order to the rest of the bounty hunters that comes with them, and the situation have finally been de-escalated. Hunter went over to an unconscious guard to check his pulse and help the guy up. They need to do a lot of questioning soon.

In fact, they really should talk to the officials of this prison to strengthen their system so this won't ever happen again.

[Zero]

With the bounty hunters efficiently taking control of the situation, the fighting and chaos has finally quieten down. Zero takes a full sweep of the area with his eyes until he can finally see his wife, surrounded by a number of people.

Zero rushes there in quick steps, jumping over injured prisoners writhing on the ground. He doesn't give a shit about these scum, if they hurt his wife, then he will hurt them back twice more. He could see Matthew as he runs over to them, and his steely expression breaks for a moment. Though then he caught sight of Officer Parker, and the scowl has returned on his face. Completely on purpose, he rams his shoulder against the officer's to show dominance. Zero is pissed at himself that this cop managed to arrive earlier than him, his jealousy rises.

Syani knowingly steps aside so he could reach Mitsuko, but his steps slows when he can finally see his wife is not physically alone there. She's leaning on a man. If she did not mention earlier who she's with, Zero would have think this man is sexually harassing his wife by how close he's holding her.

His posture turned frigid as Zero walks in a more menacing pose, almost stomping to his injured wife and the man she's holding. The moment he reaches them, he could not physically control his green-eyed urges and his body reacted before he could put a stop to it.

He punches Neji in the face.
Zero had channeled all his frustration and anger of Mitsuko's situation plus his deep displaced jealousy densely into that one single punch. He puts his entire weight onto it that people nearby could hear a crack once his fist makes contact against Neji's nose. He'll deal with the consequences of his actions later.

The man stumbled in his feet, and Zero took the chance to gently catch Mitsuko in his arms. "Sorry." He said between gritted teeth. "Thought you were a prisoner taking advantage of my wife." Specifically enunciating that last word louder, Zero finally tore his jealous gaze away from this ex-boyfriend of Mitsuko's to protectively check on Mitsuko herself.

She looks exhausted, dehydrated and hungry. Hell, she's barely conscious, but still holding on. "You did great defending yourself for so long, Miki. Sorry I'm so late." Almost in a practiced motion, he lifts the smaller angel with ease into a princess carry. Now with his entire heart in his arms, Zero looks over to his fellow bounty hunters, silently asking permission to take his family out of this accursed place.

Jean simply nodded at him, and Zero turns his eyes to Matthew next. "Let's get your mom checked to a hospital..."

[Syani]

With the situation finally in control, Syani looks up to the ceiling and telekinetically lowers all the injured nurses and medical staffs she managed to save. Most of them are unconscious, but all of them are heavily injured. Her healing area of effect on the ceiling managed to heal little wounds, but bigger injuries are not her expertise.

"I'm teleporting all the nurses out of here." She announces to Zero, motioning to the people floating down on the ground. "To Jowston Hospital. If you wanna come, get in the circle." Two pieces of chalk are currently telekinetically being used to draw a large transportation circle of some sort. Once the circle connects, Syani places every injured nurse inside the circle.

"Ciphers, get in here." She commanded, sharper than usual due to her exhaustion. She's pretty sure after she teleports them to the hospital, she's going to immediately collapse from lack of energy. "Matthew, you hold on to me. I will faint directly after this spell is over. Don't let my head hit the ground, okay?"

She looks up to Neji, examining his bleeding broken nose and motioned him inside the circle as well. Now that everyone's being accounted for, she gives a farewell wave to the rest of the bounty hunters as well as the brunette stranger and began her teleportation spell.

The drawing on the ground glows white, and Syani's eyes rolled to the back of her head. She's speaking in tongues under her breath and energy began to gather around them. Her spine bends as her face snaps heavenward, and within a single breath, everyone in the circle is gone from sight.

The prison is quiet for the rest of the night, and only the moon bear witness to the pandemonium that befalls.

[END THREAD]
Continuation in Pandemonium