Chapter Six.

The clanks of iron chains echoed throughout the cafeteria as inmates shuffled forward to claim their meals. At the tail end of the line, a young man, no more than twenty-one, stood in tattered trousers and a torn shirt. He had handcuffs on his wrists and a collar around his neck. His name was Zev, a street brawler, arrested for a vicious pharmacy robbery that had a security guard killed. When his turn finally arrived, he extended his shackled hands to accept his meal. The cook shot him an angry look.

"You!"

Zev stared back. "Got a problem?" He retorted.

The cook growled. "You're not eating here today. Not after the chaos you wreaked two days ago," she spat in disgust.

Zev held his silence as she scooped a ladle of soup into a bowl. He snorted, took his meal and moved to a corner where he sat against the cold stone wall, eating silently. A group of guys came up to him.

"Oi, Zev. You thug." One of them jeered.

Zev arched an eyebrow.

Another man, this one older, stared down at him "You beat up Marco two days ago and we ain't seen him since. You're gonna pay for that."

Zev sighed. "Don't spoil my meal."

The men chuckled darkly.

Zev ignored them and continued to eat quietly. The older man, grabbed his plate and smashed it on the ground. Zev watched calmly as the men walked away. He stared at the spilled soup, sighing once more. What a waste.

They called this place Crystal Pit, a prison in Tirion surrounded by towering crystal spires.

Zev stood up, picked up a piece of meat from the ground and ate it before heading to the gate. Stepping into the prison yard, he was greeted by an unusually radiant sun and a gentle breeze tousling his unkempt hair. He walked to the water pump at the center of the yard and drank.

There were few people in the yard, most of the wardens had left for breakfast. "I need to leave this shithole" he thought to himself. He splashed water on his face, catching a glimpse of his reflection.

"I'll do it, no matter what."

In two days, it would be the fourth anniversary of his mother's death and the day he was arrested and thrown into Crystal Pit. Zev knew that there was no escape; the cells were on the third floor, and the second floor was for the wardens. The prison's ground floor served as an assembly hall for mandatory meetings, safety drills, and such. It had the weakest security compared to the rest of the prison. Escaping seemed impossible, especially because their magic was rendered useless. A warden appeared and shouted, "Hey, you! Over by the water pump."

Zev groaned loudly as he stood up.

"What?" he said.

"Time for your daily lashes."

Zev sighed. It had become a daily routine- enduring fifty lashes on his back. Over time, the pain had become somewhat bearable but still annoying.

He made his way towards the warden.

In a few minutes, Zev found himself in the torture chamber. It was a dim, cramped space filled with an array of torture tools including whips, belts, and a wooden post.

"On the post," the warden commanded.

Zev lay down on the rough wooden surface, extending his chained hands. The warden lifted Zev's shirt, revealing numerous scars and whip marks on his back. The warden smacked Zev's back with his palm. "Ready?"

Zev nodded, his eyes fixed on the ground as he braced himself.

The warden smirked, "Good."

Zev snorted.

"You don't seem like the chatty type." The warden swung the whip.

"Hmph!"

"Hmm, you're quite strong." The warden swung again.

"Are you new here?" Zev asked.

"I've been here for six months."

"Then you should know not to bother me during my daily punishments." Zev looked at him.

The warden shrugged and said, "Fine." He continued whipping Zev.

Finally, the warden paused. "Let's try something else." He fetched a set of leather straps. "This is the 'Torture Belt'.

"Oh?" Zev asked. It sounded painful.

The warden smirked at him, "Yes. You're in for a treat. Now lay still, and close your eyes."

Zev hesitated. It appeared... unpleasant.

The warden smacked Zev's backside. "Here i go."

The first swing of the belt was an eruption of pain. The strap landed on Zev's cheekbone, leaving a burning red mark. Zev yelped, but he clenched his teeth, refusing to give in to the wardens' satisfaction. He heard the straps continue to rain down on his other cheek, then his lower back, then his arms...

Zev forced himself to remain still even though every fiber of his being screamed in agony. After enduring several painfully slow moments, he heard the strap slap harshly against his skin. He flinched.

"You know, I could be more lenient with you if you begged me nicely." the warden said.

Zev closed his eyes, his voice barely above a whisper, "Stop talking and get on with it."

The warden frowned and raised the belt once more

"If you won't beg I suppose I'll have to give you a good spanking." he taunted.

"I said shut-" Zev tried to speak, but the belt struck his back again.

After twenty long minutes, the warden finally finished. Zev rose from the post and exited the room. The warden trailed behind.

The warden inquired, "How old are you?"

"That's none of your business." Zev retorted.

The warden grunted and strode ahead, making his way to the exit, his boots echoing.

Zev stared at the warden before following him.

Together, they stepped into a vast open area where fellow inmates toiled away, breaking crystal spires, packing shards into piles, and hefting them into boxes.

The warden shoved Zev into the midst of labouring prisoners and briskly departed.

The other prisoners glanced at him briefly before turning back to their work. An emaciated, bald old man walked up to Zev, his clicking chains announcing his arrival.

"Hey, Zev!" he called out with a grin.

"What do you want, Pa Chu?" Zev replied.

The elderly man scratched his balding head, wearing a mischievous grin. "Zev, my friend, could you do me a favour and lend a hand with my share today?"

Zev rolled his eyes before turning and walking away.

Pa Chu trailed after him. "Come on, buddy. Please help me out? Don't ignore me."

Zev stopped.

The old man grinned and continued. "I promise to repay you this time."

Zev crossed his arms. "You're aware that i know you're just using me, aren't you?"

Pa Chu's grin widened. "Of course, of course!" Zev, unimpressed, let out a derisive scoff. He snatched a rock and chucked it with force, sending it crashing into the old man's crystal spire. It shattered into a thousand glittering shards. The workers turned to stare at him. Zev gave them a cocky smile. They shook their heads, continuing their work. Pa Chu's jaw dropped in astonishment. "So, um.. would you mind helping me stack them?" he stammered.

Zev cast a weary glance at Pa Chu before relenting. "Yeah alright."

"Really?!"

"Hand me the shovel before i change my mind."

Pa Chu smiled and handed him the shovel.

Zev accepted the shovel and went to work. He shoveled and stacked the crystals until it reached its peak.

He wiped sweat from his forehead and tossed the shovel aside. He walked over to a bench and sat down.

Pa Chu watched him curiously. "You're done already?"

Zev nodded "Yep. I already started mine before breakfast, so it's almost done."

Pa Chu settled beside him. "Thanks, Zev." He said, giving Zev's shoulder a friendly pat. "You're one strong young man." He flashed a grin.

Zev brushed off his hand. "No problem, Pa Chu," he replied. He stood, putting the remaining crystal shards into the nearby empty box. Zev strolled to another box, filling it with more crystals. He repeated this process until he reached his quota, tossing in a few extra for good measure. Eventually, only about twenty crystals were left. Zev gathered them in a separate box and placed it with the others. He then looked up at the sky.

The sun hung high in the sky as Zev stared at it. The clouds drifted lazily through the blue sky and the grass swayed softly under the gentle wind.

Pa Chu leaned in. "So, how do you plan to pull it off?" he asked. Zev gave him a quick glance. "Pull what off?"

Pa Chu chuckled softly and leaned in closer. "You want to get out of here, don't you?".

Zev averted his gaze, pretending not to hear him.

"I can see it in your eyes. I've seen the same look in others here. Some want to escape but they're either too scared or don't know how. Have you thought about a plan?" Pa Chu inquired.

Zev shot him an annoyed look and then turned his head away.

"No clue?" Pa Chu probed.

He chuckled again. "You'll end up like me."

Zev sighed in frustration. "Just drop it, old man."

Pa Chu patted Zev's shoulder with a smile. "I'll help you." he said.

"I don't need anyone's help." Zev retorted.

Pa Chu shrugged. "If you say so. Just thought I'd offer. You're still a kid, and the world out there is much bigger and better than this place." Pa Chu turned back to another crystal spire, and Zev reluctantly resumed his work.

******

The day passed, and Zev remained in the cell. His wrist cuffs had been removed, leaving only the collar around his neck.

The collar was uncomfortable, but it made sleeping easier. He didn't want to be here anymore but had no idea how. Pa Chu's words crossed his mind. As an earth elemental, he could've used his powers easily, but the enchanted collar around his neck prevented him. All prisoners had to wear enchanted collars, blocking their elemental magic. If they tried to, the collar would tighten, suffocating them to death.

He felt the ground rumbling softly underneath. He placed his ear on the ground and listened.

It felt odd; usually, rumbling meant the warden were coming, but this was different. The rumbles grew louder and stronger.

"An earthquake?" Zev muttered.

What kind of quake would make such a loud sound?

Another quake, even more powerful than the previous one, followed. Zev lifted his head and glanced around. No wardens anywhere.

The ground shook, and the walls rumbled.

"Earthquake!" A prisoner shouted.

"What's happening?!" someone yelled.

Another prisoner hurried to the window, peering outside.

Suddenly, the walls cracked, split, and crumbled. Dirt and rocks scattered in all directions. A few prisoners cried out. Others covered their faces and tried to cover their ears. Dust filled the air. Then everything went quiet. Many began coughing violently. Zev held his breath and tried to get as far away from the window and dirt and rubble as possible. He crawled on the floor to a safe corner.

Soon most of the prison cells were either completely or half destroyed.

The floor had cracks running through it, and the walls were damaged. Prisoners inside coughed and scattered, struggling to clear the dust and dirt from their lungs.

Coughing, Zev instinctively shielded his face. He couldn't believe his eyes. Why would an earthquake happen here?

Every prisoner had an enchanted collar on. None of the wardens would help a prisoner escape even if they offered their limbs. It didn't make sense.

One prisoner stood at the edge and peered down.

"Hey, what are you doing? We're on the third floor." Another prisoner yelled.

Ignoring the warning, the prisoner cautiously inched onto the ledge.

He seemed hesitant and kept glancing back. After a minute or so, he finally let out a deep breath and took the plunge. The prisoners gasped.

He plummeted, falling until he struck the towering crystal spires below with a thud.

The prisoner lay there motionless.

One voice mocked, "What a fool..." Others joined with laughter that echoed through the cells. They continued laughing for some time.

The wardens rushed upstairs to evaluate the aftermath of the quake.

"Okay, everyone stay calm. Let's get everyone upstairs, to the main infirmary." A warden ordered.

They slowly shuffled their way up the stairs and to the floor above. The human wardens began to check on the prisoners who were injured but still alive. The ones who were unconscious were loaded onto stretchers and carried up to the infirmary.

The elemental wardens raised the large debris' that caught prisoners under them. Zev stood up from his corner when a prisoner under a big rock, called out to the room. "Someone help!"

Zev looked at him.

"My leg's stuck," the man said.

Some prisoners looked around looking for something they could use. Some ignored him, including Zev.

"Help me!!!" the man cried again.

Despite several glances in his way, none of the others offered assistance.

A female warden walked up to Zev. "We need help over here." she said quietly.

Zev shook his head. "I'm no saviour" he replied.

"Why don't you use your powers to help him anyway?" he turned to walk away.

She tugged his sleeve. "Because y'all do the work around here." she whispered harshly. The warden's face fell as she realized that expecting help from him was a lost cause. She gestured to other prisoners. They gathered around the large rock to aid the trapped individual.

Zev left the cell, moving away from the group of prisoners heading upstairs. This was his chance, and he seized it. He kept walking and nobody challenged him. He was going to escape... but where could he go? Zev watched as more elemental wardens approached the cells, lifting up the rubble into the air.

He quickened his pace, glancing back every few steps. He wasn't sure why, but he had a nagging suspicion that Pa Chu had a hand in this. But it made no sense; Pa Chu wore a collar like the rest. His bare feet echoed softly in the hall. Zev rounded a corner, pressing his back against the wall. He heard footsteps approaching behind him.

"Hey, what are you doing here?"

The warden's voice startled him, and Zev spun around to face a stern-looking man.

"Why aren't you with the others?" the warden asked.

Zev gulped, nervously shaking his head. "Nah... I'm fine alone."

The warden raised an eyebrow. He didn't like liars.

"Then come with me. I'll escort you to the second infirmary downstairs." he commanded, pushing Zev forward.

Zev stumbled but followed cautiously. Where was Pa Chu? He looked around.

Desperation grew as they descended to the second floor, finally halting outside the infirmary doors. The warden fumbled for his keys, but then the ground beneath him opened and swallowed him without a sound. Zev blinked rapidly in surprise and looked around the empty corridor.

"Uh-?" he stared at the spot where the ground opened. A figure emerged from the wall beside the door--- It was Pa Chu.

Pa Chu chuckled, and the stone wall sealed itself shut in front of Zev. "Didn't see that coming did ya?" He grinned.

Zev stared at Pa Chu and then at the collar he still wore, utterly baffled. "How did you...?"

"Oops, I forgot about this collar of mine." Pa Chu quipped. "I'll answer your questions; just follow me."

Zev hesitated. "Did you cause the quakes?"

Pa Chu smiled. "I told you I would help you. Now, come!"

Zev nodded and sprinted alongside Pa Chu.

"So, what's our plan?" Zev inquired. "Should we make a run for it, or should we try taking out the guards?"

"We need to find the key that opens the entrance to the ground floor. The key's bigger than the rest, so it's easy to find. Then we're gonna make our escape through an underground tunnel waiting for us there ." Pa Chu said, grinning and led Zev down the corridor.

As they hid around a corner, they knew the entrance to the wardens'quarters lay ahead.

"The key should be in there," Pa Chu whispered. "Stay alert."

"Okay," Zev nodded, his eyes darting from side to side. What if they got caught? He touched his collar. Could they get away?