Both crews were able to push through past the wall and into the Caged Realm. After some trudging they spotted some kind of town.
"What is this place? I am not liking the looks of this purple fog." Glacius said.
"We know. But our comrades are somewhere around here. We have to find them." Galil said.
As they were checking out the houses, they saw two familiar figures.
"Hm? Hey, it's those people from the sewers!" Belladonna said.
"Oh, hi guys!" the girl said.
"Hm… So, you're here too. I take it you are here for your comrades that were captured." the man said.
"Yes, that's right." Nesma said. "They do not seem to be here, though."
"If they aren't, they might be at the Bastille." the man said.
"Bastille?" Glacius asked.
"It's a prison complex to the northeast." the man said. "It's more than likely that's where the send captured prisoners."
"And this town isn't enough of a prison?" Cheetah asked.
"It still is one, albeit under different jurisdiction." the man said. "The prisoners in this town are managed by our Signimancy Guild. They live in relative comfort with other humans."
"They're nothing more than the Daemons' flunkies. Barely any better than the Beastfolk." the girl said. "Erm… Present company excluded, of course."
"However, the Bastille is managed by the Beastfolk. It's a lawless places where Human undesirables are jailed and tortured." the man said. "If you all are heading there, you would best prepare for the worst. Security there is heavy, there are few good routes of egress and no guarantee of survival."
"If that's the case, Gene, you should let them use the Signimancy Guild." the girl said. "You can pull some strings, can you?"
"Outsiders aren't allowed, but very well." Gene said. "I'll see what I can do. Come on, Rachel. We have a lot to discuss with them."
Soon after the exchange, the group went into a bar to see two Beastfolk talking.
"Hm? Who the heck are you guys?" the dog beastfolk asked. "You asking for a whipping of my sorcery?"
"Oh, my apologies. You must be a sorcerer of some renown." Vivian said, which caused them to jump up.
"Huh? A-A Daemon?!" the duck beastfolk asked. "P-p-please forgive our indiscretions!"
"Y-yes, whatever sorcery I have is surely nothing compared to yours." the dog beastfolk said. "L-look! I can teach you all some spells you make like… Like the one that opens the Catacombs!"
"Y-y-yes, we're on cleanup duty in the Catacombs, so we are the only ones who know it!" the duck beastfolk said.
"Thank you very much. You have been most helpful." Vivian said.
"So Daemons really are of renown to the Beastfolk. Wow, Vivian!" Glacius said.
"It's nothing special, really. It is just the way the racial hierarchy has been established for the last thousand years." Ignace said.
"Still, it would seem we will need to pass through the Catacombs to reach the Bastille." Esmeralda said.
"So it would seem. We can only hope our allies can hold on just a little bit longer." Riesz said.
It wasn't long until the group went into the guild.
"Oh, hello there! Welcome to the Signimancy Guild!" a woman in yellow said. "My name is Tabatha. I'm the guildmaster here. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Gene has informed us about all of you, so you are welcome to our guild's services. I sincerely hope you forgive us in our standing with the Daemons."
"We understand. It's the way this town functions, after all." Cheetah said.
"That's right. We needed to improve the living standards of the people in this town." Tabatha said. "We may not be able to directly help you because of our standing with the Daemons, but we will still help in any way that we can."
"That is still very much appreciated. Come on, everyone. Let's go." Cheetah said.