She didn't know how long she had been out for, days? weeks? maybe only a few hours? she couldn't tell. When opening her eyes she was greeted by the brightest, harshest lights and when she attempted to put her hands over her face to shield them she noticed that she couldn't. Taking in deep breaths she closed her eyes to block the light and turned her head. Opening her eyes again she could see that her hand was cuffed to a bed and turning her head to the other side she could see it was also cuffed to a bed. So, she had been caught, she could hardly remember what happened back at that cafe as her memory was a bit fuzzy at the current moment. She wondered where Seika was and if he was alright, if he had won then she wouldn't be here right? Maybe. In the midst of her thinking about him, a sharp pain flashed through her head as she remembered clear as day exactly what happened and she could feel herself getting sick over the thought.

She couldn't imagine what he had been through, what he was thinking about?  She was so stupid, or maybe her lack of battle experience and fighting alongside him with an actual opponent caused all of this. How was she to even explain that? She could only hope that he didn't think she backstabbed him on purpose, she didn't even mean to do it accidentally. Her fear turned into anger towards the idiot who made all this possible. She had never worked with Jove and she knew very little of him within the ranks of the knights when she had been a member there, but now that she was aware of him she would pay him a visit one day to settle the score. Hatred was running in her veins as she thought about him and the Rune Knights as a whole.

Looks like you are awake Hitomi Minamoto. You are in the custody of the Rune Knights and in the medical bay at Era Dungeon. We have you on the grounds of abandoning the Rune Knights to join a dark guild and resisting arrest. You are going to be here for a while...According to your file, you were a promising star within our ranks but you gave that all up and I have to wonder for what. Anyway, you are clear to be released to the general population.   The voice belonged to a woman clad in white. She was probably a doctor in the prison. Watching the woman leave and two new women come in, they removed her cuffs, had her dress in the uniform of the jail, and brought her into her cell. For now, she was celling alone it seemed like and that was fine. Taking a seat on the dingy bed she wondered just how long they had planned to keep her in here, or how long she was willing to stay.

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Month 1

Hitomi had gotten a trial. It was short, quick, and very private. This was probably because of one. the rune knights didn't want the world to see one of their best falling so low and making them look bad and two Hitomi although it was determined that she didn't share any secrets about the rune knights to the dark guild was still a part of one and resisted arrest on top of that. Hitomi didn't fight the charges but she didn't show any remorse for her actions because she didn't do much wrong except take on some shady jobs. In the bigger picture, she was actually still protecting Fiore and the world as a whole but she would never get any credit for that. So she was sentenced to four months in Era dungeons with a possibility to get out earlier if she behaved. The word behaved from the judged almost made her want to laugh. What was she gonna do in jail? more crime? Hitomi wasn't worried about any of that so she was betting on getting out soon.

After the trial, she was alone in a cell for a while until she got two new roommates. A pair of twins named Celest and Robin had moved into the cell with her. The twins were in on charges that stemmed from petty theft to first-degree murder and the two couldn't have been more different. Celest was loud, aggressive, and the obvious protector of the two while Jade was soft-spoken, calculating, and the brains behind the operation. It was a very cliche troupe for twins but they pulled it off so well that it looked like an actual performance that over time had them sitting at the top of the prison pyramid...

The first day of meeting the twins went about as well as one could imagine, with a fight nearly happening. Robin was the one to keep it under control. Hitomi didn't start the fight but she was willing to finish it as she found out truly how aggressive and protective over Robin that Celest was. Hitomi respected that but she wasn't about to show weakness over it. Robin stepped in between them and reminded her sister that they could get out a little early if they were good which meant not starting fights with everyone she saw over every little thing regarding Robin. The days that went by in the dungeons were uneventful for the most part and Hitomi rejected any visitors that might have come to see her, one of the few rights she had. Being with the twins causes them to form a trio of a group. Over time Celest became less aggressive towards Hitomi and the two would often train with each other while Hitomi and Robin would plan ways to get better food out of the cafeteria and blackmailing the other inmates into living a little more comfy in the dungeons.

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Month 2

Day in and day out was more or less the same. The days of being imprisoned came with meeting interesting people and sometimes days of depression. She really missed Seika and even though she kept denying any visitors she always thought about him and what he might be doing. Her heart hurt for him, and she yearned to be near him, but after what she didn't think she could ever face him, and she didn't deserve to be near him. For all the power she had, she was obviously too weak to use it. She relied too much on her sword's power without ever actually knowing how to wield it. Honestly, she was a disgrace to the name Minamoto and after this, she couldn't go back there either without some sort of redemption, not that she wanted to go back, those people hadn't been in contact with her since her grandfather died. Stress was an unavoidable part of being imprisoned and although she did everything under the sun to try not to think about it, she couldn't do anything but think of it.

You form is off...What's wrong? Celest's low voice snatch Hitomi back to reality. She didn't notice her form was off and how could she when she couldn't stop thinking about Seika. Hitomi had told the twins all about Seika at this point so even though she asked Celest already knew what was up. Hitomi sighed as she put down the weight and took a seat on the bench, their yard time was almost up. Shaking her head she looked down at the floor and then back up at Celest. " I can't stop thinking about him, and it's getting worse. Let's hit the showers and then I think I'll take a nap." Standing up she led the way with Celest not too far behind. The two women hit the showers which were quiet during this time. They spoke of what they would do when they got out, what would dinner be for the day, and how to bribe the guards to get them some goods from outside. It was nice talking with Celest, especially since they got off pretty rocky when they first met. They were like oil and water and it was mainly because of how protective Celest was over Robin.

When the two were done washing, Celest went off to find her sister, and Hitomi went off the sleep. The day though boring had been too long and she was tired from the much earlier slave labor she had to go through. Once in her cell she dressed in the less comfy prison pajamas and closed her eyes for a few hours. She hardly dreamed anymore, nor did she feel, hear, or sense the presence of the gods she chose to cut ties with. Of course, She would still follow Seika to the ends of the earth but she liked being the smaller part of a bigger picture, to follow instead of lead. Hitomi wanted nothing to do with those gods but she would help Seika stop whatever it was that was trying to come across that veil that protected the mortals from whatever nightmare that threatened their existence. It was an uphill battle for sure but one she had thrown herself into for love and will to live. Her days were no different than the last in the dungeons but at some point, she didn't care if she got out early or not.

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Spending her days in a cell was really a different kind of hell and you could tell just by looking at her that she fell through the cracks of her mental state. Though friends were made the days were just as crazed as those that passed and passed they did. Who knew freedom could taste so good? She did of course as she was once free. Corn was a pleasure and obviously a luxury. Oh, how she wished she could eat those sweet kernels and savor the taste on her tongue. So delicate the food and elevated its flavor when sprinkled with cheese and hot pepper flakes. The food here was shit and she hated it more than she hated being in this stupid dungeon. Maybe she should write a letter to someone, perhaps get a pen pal. The dungeon had just started its pen pal program so that the inmates could at least not go crazy.

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With nothing else to do but kill time, Hitomi took up the offer to use the pen pal program. That participating could not use their own names as their pen pals would not be using theirs for safety reasons. There were a few rules put in place for everyone's sake and a two-hour time slot to allow quiet time for those in the pen pal program to read their letters and write one in return. Joining the pen pal program put points towards getting out early, so it was a win-win for some. Hitomi's pen pal's name was Summer and she thought it cute. She would soon learn that her pen pal's name was Autumn and this sent her over the edge with chuckles. Whoever set this up sure had a sense of humor. Twice a week they would get a letter and could send a letter as well. Since it was the first week it was time for them to make an introductory letter for their pen pal.

1947/4000

Hito-I mean Summer was more or less excited to start her pen pal journey with her pen pal partner Autumn. It was something to get her out of her funk or at least that's what she told herself. She was surprised that Celest was joining the program and that the name she was given was " Bunny ". Celest hated the name but it didn't bother her too much. Apparently, Celest was a really good writer and she just needed someone to read her works. Hitomi could understand so she didn't tease Celest too much. The first letter was of course the introduction. " Summer " started her letter with how she got in jail and followed it up with never falling in love or it'll literally cripple and weaken you. " Summer wrote at least a page worth of things on many different things but she didn't write them as Hitomi. " Summer " was a person all of her own, a character of Hitomi's own making and so she wrote her as an angel with good intentions who only harmed another because someone she loved was being harmed, she was a protector. Summer loved baking and children and she wanted a family. Summer was a story for her pen pal.

2159/4000

She really hated it in jail even tho she was being treated like a queen amongst peasants. She could break out but then her beat friends would still be here. Hitomi had changed so much while in the dungeons she hardly recognized who she was. Did she even need Seika? He didn't come to see her at all. Day after day she just did whatever to pass the time. Waiting for her pen pal to write so she could write back was the best she could hope for as far as news from the other side. Apparently, new guilds were popping up and a virus was causing men to have babies. Honestly wild stuff. Hitomi thought long and hard about what to do when she got out and the first thing was to take a long bath. Heck, she needed a lot of things once she got free. A shopping spree would do her some justice. She would make a list

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"Hey, mam we got that wine you wanted and the garlic. " A voice brought Hitomi's eyes up from the delicate needle work she was doing. Being inside for so long allowed one to slow down and start picking up hobbies and she enjoyed this one greatly. In her hand, she was creating a beautiful bird flying away from a cage with a needle and yarn on a square canvas. The bird was violet and dark blue color with no eyes and the background was crimson with a rising sun. It was very beautiful work and when she was so deep into it she hated to be bothered. Alas, here she was being bothered. A young guard was holding a box of wine with a little bag of garlic on top of it. Hitomi was currently alone in her cell as Robin and Celest had gone out to do an afternoon run. A part of her was upset she was interrupted but she did in fact order these things so she pointed to an empty corner of her cell before going back to the task. " Thanks, kid now get out I'm busy...Good work in bringing what I needed safely though. What's your name before you go. " Once she looked down she didn't stop her task as she was so focused on it she just couldn't stop. " Oh thank you mam my name is Ned. I'll be around if you need anything at all. "

To Hitomi, he didn't sound more than about eighteen years old. She would once again thank him but this time by name. For the next three hours, she stitched and stitched only stopping for a few glasses of wine and a few bathroom trips. The mental peace she felt when doing something like this was like a weight off of her shoulders. She didn't need to think about anything but making sure her stitches were neat. A task that came with redundancy yet completely took over the mind and sort of shut it down. It was absolute bliss and she would rather be like this all the time. It was of course unfortunate when the last stitch came and her piece of work was complete. Hitomi wanted to keep going but unfortunately, she was done. Taking a long look at her work she was once again interrupted but at least this time by someone she didn't mind. " It's time for dinner Hitomi, It's gonna be shrimp and chicken alfredo. Pairs well with all that wine we got. " Hitomi's eyes and ears were met with the Robin. It was so nice to see her, especially when she hadn't seen her all damn day. Not only was she here she was calling her for food. Hitomi didn't notice it because she had emptied her brain into her work but she was very hungry and it took someone calling attention to it for her to realize it herself.

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Month Three

Another month has gone by and the dungeons were starting to seem better. The inmates here quality of life improved greatly with Hitomi, Robin, and Celest running things. People got good food and paid for their labor. Those leaving the dungeons had left with the skills they needed to get better jobs than they came in with. Some people couldn't be rehabilitated so they were asked to just wait for the three women to come out of the dungeons themselves and they could use all those violet tendencies to help them when they got out. It was a good deal for all involved with Hitomi who had changed the most. She had cast away most of her magical powers in exchange for physical power and she even had her appearance changed. She was no longer the long-haired violet-haired, violet-eyed, Joyan beauty. Looking at her now she was a thick, buff, blond-haired bombshell with a sharper wit and a take-charge attitude. The way she carried herself had slowly changed over the course of her stay in the dungeons and she felt as if she no longer needed to rely on anyone but herself, that everyone was a hindrance to her own greatness. Her need for revenge against Jove was also a driving factor that really became a thorn in her side but also a motivational point to better herself for when the time came to see him again if she ever did.

On a particularly cold and rainy day where all the inmates stayed inside, the letters that came in from the penpals were numerous. This was odd as sometimes some people didn't get letters all on the same day. Most people were happy so many letters came but some were very suspicious. When everyone got their letter each read the same thing, that they would no longer be pen pals. It was odd, to say the least, and the coordinator of the program didn't understand why everyone dropped out at the same time. The pen pals on the outside didn't know each other so this had fishy mcfisherson written all over it. An investigation was done and it was determined that the letters were not sent from the pen pals but then that raised a bigger more alarming question. Whoever sent these knew each inmate from the pen pal program by name. No one had any leads and it put everyone on edge for a long time. Weeks had gone by of course and the letters from their pen pals came in regularly. Everyone was happy that their pen pals were safe of course.

Seasons and days went and Hitomi still thought about breaking out every now and again. Nothing too great happened in the dungeons except Robin of all people killing the warden with poison because he tried to come onto her in a very inappropriate manner. The calm cool and collected Robin was now outwardly hostile towards any man in the facility, and rightfully so. Just seeing a man put her in a rage and most of the men working there had to be replaced with women or be possibly killed. The funniest thing about it is that the other inmates would just help robin because they had too been similarly abused by the male staff who really shouldn't have been working so closely with these women to start with. During the colder seasons where most holidays resided, Hitomi and the gang got together for a Christmas special. And of course, they did it in the most chaotic fueled way that they could.



3,434/4,000

Month 4

It happened. A fight had broken out. Someone..No..Many people had died. Too many for what had taken place to be overlooked. Celest was dead, the strongest of them all had been slain like a beast on the street by smaller, insignificant creatures who deserved to die in a worse fashion than the lives they decided to take. Robin was alive but just barely. Her wounds were much more serious and she was fighting for her life on life support. Hitomi knew Robin was strong but with losing her sister? Would she be strong enough to withstand the mental, emotional, and physical toll on her body? Hitomi didn't know and she could only hope the girl was strong, and that she would overcome this and come out alive. As for Hitomi, she was perfectly fine. Having gotten to the fight and the scene far too late she along with a few others were dragged away. Hitomi yes she was fine but she was also thrown into solitary confinement, something that had broken her because she wasn't even given a chance to see her friends. mourn for them properly, or anything. Having been told an investigation would be done she was thrown into solitary confinement for what felt like weeks. The dungeons were already far underground but solitary confinement was further under and not even guards were down there, it was watched over and run by mana-fuled golems who worked on a timer system to feed them, let them out to bathe, and watch over those imprisoned below.

Having slowly lost her mind and her sanity it was only after the month ended that she was found innocent of the riot that happened. Hitomi was of course relieved but she would not find happiness when she returned to join the rest of the population. Celest had already been murdered but now she had gotten news that Robin did not make it. The damage to her body was too great and she didn't want to fight to stay alive anymore. Hitomi understood but was sad nonetheless and she could only cry for the loss of her friends. Those responsible were still in solitary confinement where they would stay until their sentence was done. The riot and the deaths that came with it added a lot more time for them. It was a small win but it wasn't enough for Hitomi. She wanted them dead and gone, they didn't have a right to live on the same earth as she did, as Robin once did, and as Celest once did. Hitomi plotted and planned for what felt like forever and when the moment came she struck.

With the assistance of some of the guards, the four main instigators of the riots, well their names were given to her. She created a plan to have someone go down into solitary confinement for ten minutes as the golems were shut down for maintenance. Once down there her little spy would quickly and cleanly kill all who had wrong her when they killed her friends. Once the spy was done she returned to her cell. Hitomi was satisfied as today would be her last day here anyway, and tomorrow morning before they would even find the bodies she would be a free woman. And just as the sun rose and she was let free, she walked out into the world with a new goal.

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