Chapter 9: The Undying Soul

"Zakei!" Jigen exclaimed as he ran through the gate as his friends appeared out in the great hall.

"Recks! Morgen! You're all alive!" Tiamat yelled after Jigen as he followed through the gates.

"We are, but Zakei is in pretty bad shape," Recks told his companions as he looked down at the unconscious Zakei. "He just faced an incredibly strong N00b, who gave Zakei a nice run for his money. I think he only has a little bit of soul left. We have to help him."

"The phial! The one that Zakei had on him to give to Bann. It might save him!" Morgen burst out.

"But if Zakei takes it, then there won't be enough for Bann."

"Speaking of Bann, where is he?" asked

All four looked around. They couldn't find him.

"Let's split up. He couldn't have gotten too far. Morgen, stay here and watch over Zakei. Make sure no more N00bs get into the castle."

"Aye aye sir. Mataza the Zapper, arise."

A samurai, one wearing greenish armor, appeared on the field.

"Mataza and I are prepped and ready," Morgen drew his own Katana.

"Alright. Jigen, you and Tiamat go that way," Recks pointed in two directions. "If we find him, we will send out our Cree."

"Alright," both answered back and headed off in their respected directions.

Recks nodded and headed toward the stairs.

"Bann…"

'Who are you?'

"You know me as Gearfried. You are not alone. I am with you."

"And so am I," stated a familiar female knight.

'Queen's Knight…'

"And that isn't all. We are all here to help you. As long as we are here, you are unbeatable."

Behind Gearfried and Queen's Knight, an army of knights sprang up. Dark Blade, Blade Knight, Ace's Knight, Mirage Knight, and many others appeared.

"Bann? BANN!" Recks ran toward the stairs, where Bann lay passed out. "Get up. Get up man. You gotta wake up."

"Queen's Knight… Gearfried… I can barely hear you…"

"Bann? He's delusional. Great. Listen to me Bann. It's your old pal Recks. You remember me, right?"

"Gearfried…"

"BANN! Oh man. Gilasaurus, Uraby, seek out the others."

"Bann…"

'Queen's Knight, I don't understand.'

"You have been reborn. The Knights of Legend have instilled you with their power. Bann, please you must wake up. WAKE UP!"

"Bann, please you must wake up. WAKE UP!"

"Re…Recks?"

"Bann! You're awake!"

"Of course I am. Now lemme get up." Bann slowly stood up and straightened himself out. "That's better. I will never get used to that cold stone floor."

"But your soul. It's drained. You can't possibly be able to stand."

"I'm fine. I don't know how, but I'm fine."

"… Gilasaurus, and Uraby too. Jigen, Tiamat, and Morgen, you're here."

"Yeah, we saw your dinos and we rushed over. I brought Zakei. Now what are we gonna do with this phi… Bann!"

"Give it to Zakei. I'm fine."

"But you were unconscious lying over the stairs. I saw you. How could you…?"

"I just am. I can't explain it, but I'm fine."

"Better than fine," Jigen stated. "Your soul, it is full beyond measure. I have never seen a stronger one. I don't know how you did it, but you seem fine."

"Then we better give this to Zakei," Morgen said as he grabbed the phial in Zakei's wallet. He uncorked the cap and poured the liquid down Zakei's throat.

cough cough Zakei began to awaken. "Where am I? Guys?"

"Good, Zakei is back. The Bashers are back together once again!"

"Bann?"

"Good to see you, Zakei. Now, we best be off."

"Hey Recks," Zakei whispered to Recks. "Is it just me, or does your brother seem a bit different?"

"He does. We all noticed it. His soul seemed to repair itself and… he was speaking to his creatures…"

"…" Zakei stopped and stared at Bann. Then he thought back to his duel against Avicenna.

'"Zakei! Zakei you must continue!"

'Who is there? Dar… Dark Magician Girl!'

"I will help you."

"As will I," said Dark Magician.

They both helped me, reawakening my soul. Did Bann's creatures do the same?'

"What's wrong, Zakei?"

"Nothing. I was just lost in though. Let's go," he said and hurried after the others.

As they continued up the path, it wasn't long before they met up with Creeset, a term for Cree that were released to slow down oncoming forces. Because they were released from the mind, they were generally weak and easy to get rid of, though they generally swarmed and had abilities that allowed them to continue swarming.

"Bugs. I hate bugs," Morgen drew his sword and began to slash away. "Mataza, now it's time for the slaughter."

"Good idea, Morgen. I summon Luster Dragon. Take care of these insects," Tiamat summoned his Sapphire Dragon Cree.

"D.D. Assailant, strike back," yelled Jigen as he too summoned his Cree.

"And I think I will use Gale Lizard!" Recks summoned his Cree as well. "We can take care of these bugs. You two still need to rest."

"I'm fine, but go right ahead," Bann told his brother.

"Be my guest," said a fatigued Zakei.

The bugs attacked with great force. They had made the corridor their home and were angry that it was intruded upon. They swarmed and fought. There were many of these Killer Needle bees, but they were no match for the combined might of the Bashers. Finally, the last bug fell.

"You slayed my insects," said a boy at the end of the corridor. "I can't believe you. I will destroy you for this. You are no match for my great power. I have connections to a gang of thugs."

"Oh yeah? I bet you are bluffing," Tiamat walked down the hall. "Prove that you can beat us. I'll take you on."

"I… I don't need to prove anything to you. I will smite you with my insects. I can't be beaten. I stick to my guns and I never fail."

"Let's test that. I challenge you to a duel."

"I don't have to accept your challenge."

"So, you are afraid…"

"No, you are afraid of me! I challenge you to a duel. The loser's soul gets tortured for all of eternity. He never gets to heaven and never sees the pearly gates."

"I have no idea what you are talking about. I challenged you, but oh well. It's time to see if you have any bite to backup that bark. Duel!"

Next time on City of Fire: Bug vs. Dragon. The N00b Prince