Chapter 24: In Her Majesties' Services

Dullahan shot a burst of energy, incinerating the Knight's of Glory and his friends who had given their Cree to him. The tower broke and Bann fell to the ground. The city beneath lay in ruins.

Bann screamed as he fell from the enormous height. "NOOOOOOO!"

"NOOOOOOO!"

"Bann! Bann, it's alright. We're here for you." A familiar voice spoke echoed in his head.

His body jerked and he popped up in bed, hitting his head on the wooden beam above. His head ricocheted and he fell back onto the pillowed.

"Ooh, lemme help you with that," said the same familiar voice.

Bann opened his eyes to the sight of a beautiful young girl who was placing a wet cloth on his forehead. "Migome…"

"Shhh… you've been asleep for almost a day now. The city is being rebuilt outside and the N00bs have been driven off. You did it Bann. You saved us all."

"Then… why don't I feel like I did?"

He tried to move again. His body was wrapped in cloths and he ached all over. Cuts and bruises covered his battered body and his ribs burned.

"How many did I break?"

"Three, and you're lucky that's all. You also lost a lot of blood and Zakei had to whip up a special potion because your soul was near nothing. I know you're a Basher, but I wish you'd stop taking on such powerful adversaries."

"Well, you are too. But I am an elite. It is my duty to protect this city from the strongest."

Migome looked away. Tears started to form in her eyes. Bann blinked and thought for a second.

"Hey, at least I've got you to look after me."

Migome turned back towards Bann and grasped him. Tears flowed out of her eyes.

Bann flailed his arms in pain and shouted, "Ow, ow, ow, ow, ouch! Not so hard."

"Sorry. Oh, Bann!"

"Huh?"

"Lady Janime said she needed to speak with you and the other Elites as soon as you were able to move. She said it's very important."

"What! Oh man, I gotta go!" Bann jumped out of bed, threw on his clothes, rushed out the door and fell on his face. "Ow…"

"…Boys…"

"So, what have you gathered?"

"Not much. It seems the N00bs have vanished back into the swamps as mysteriously as they appeared last night. Their attack was very unlike them. Too well planned. Also, those N00bs we fought in the castle were much stronger than normal. Something must have been giving them help."

"Or someone…"

"You think that Reckah…"

"If Dismay had anything to do with it…"

"But how? I thought only Anims and N00bs could use Cree. How could a Reckah learn to wield it?"

"Tiamat! Zakei!"

"Morgen, good to see you. Any news?"

"Yeah. Bann just woke up."

"Already?"

"Yeah. He's got a fighter's spirit in him, that he does. He can barely walk, but at least he's conscious. Lady Janime has scheduled a meeting within the Great Hall. We are all to meet there within the hour. I already told Recks, Jigen, and Rooko-sensei. We are supposed to meet with Count Youngblood outside the castle gate."

"Alright. Then we better go."

"Look, it's the others," Recks pointed out to Bann and Migome.

Migome was using a specially fashioned wheelbarrow to carry Bann to the castle. They had just entered the courtyard with Recks and could now see Jigen, Morgen, Tiamat, and Zakei waiting with Count Youngblood.

"Good. You are all here."

"All? What about Rooko-sensei?"

"He is already inside. I have been instructed by the Lady to bring you up to speed as we enter the Great Hall. Follow me."

The Bashers and Migome followed Count Youngblood through the garden towards the castle gate.

Count Youngblood was the queen's closest relative and the only person in the court who spoke to her by her first name, and she did the same, but only when the two spoke in private. He was also the highest patron of the court and in charge of conducting all religious services. He was a very well learned man and quite well mannered. It was unknown to even the Bashers, but it was rumored that he held a very powerful Cree, but seldom used it, either because he couldn't control it or because the rumors were just completely untrue.

"As you all know, no doubt, the City of Janime was brought under a random attack by the N00bs last night. I am, as well as everyone else, greatly thankful for all your help in driving back the N00b forces," Youngblood said to the group, looking for quite some time at Bann as he said it. Even he was amazed at Bann's speedy recovery.

Bann started to think about it himself. Why had he recovered so quickly? 'It couldn't be Migome's medicine. Damn, what's happening to me? After my battle with Fortris, I was left for dead, but I managed to wake up from that. Could it be the power of my Cree? Do they now have the power to protect my soul from the Dark Duels? Hold on. Queen's Knight? Gearfried? Where are they? In fact, where are all the Cree? Last night, we were talking to them, but today, they seem to have just vanished,' he thought to himself and then returned to listening to Count Youngblood.

"…her respects and wishes to speak with you all. She says she has urgent news to tell you, as well as some surprises. Ah, here we are already. Walk through the large oak doors and into the Great Hall. I shall meet you in there."

The Bashers walked to the doors, which opened by themselves as they approached. On the other side, they saw six men, three at each door, opening and closing the large wooden gates. At the far end of the hall sad Lord Archer and Lady Janime, the King and Queen. Standing at there sides were Rooko and Count Youngblood, who was just walking in through a side door. Patrons of the court stood lining the large stone room, bathed in rich blue and silver cloths. It was truly a sight to behold, befitting such an elegant castle.

The Bashers continued forward, stopping at the edge of the blue carpet that flowed down the hall floor like a rich river. They looked from King Archer to Queen Janime and then stared at the ground and bowed (well, Bann didn't bow, but can you really blame him?).

Lady Janime looked down at the six men and Migome, who quickly hurried over to the side as to not be in the way.

"These are dark times we are in," the Queen began. "We are a peaceful city, set fourth by my ancestors many ages ago. We have been through many trials. The great famines, the war with the Reckah, and the now, we must battle these N00bs. No one truly understands why these creatures do what…"

"I do…" Bann said in a low undertone.

Everyone in the court gasped

"What was that, young man?"

"I understand them. I understand why they do it, whether their reason be pure or tainted."

"Then would you like to explain?" King Archer's commanding voice asked Bann.

"Fun," was Bann's only reply.

"I daresay, that is hardly fun, killing people."

"It is to them," Bann glared out at the King.

"They are a sick people. They care not for what is right or wrong. They do what they do for fun. At least, that is what they claim."

"So, you must be the famous Bann. The Elite Basher who fought the N00b on the tower last night. You spoke with the N00b you were battling?"

"He knew our language. During the duel, he told me himself. He said that he and his comrades killed for fun."

"How could they speak our language?"

"If I may," Rooko stepped in. "I believe they may be evolving. Something… or perhaps someone, is making them stronger, more intelligent, and capable of planning complex strategies. That is why they were able to overtake us so easily last night and take on the Elites. And if they continue to evolve, I don't know if we will be able to take on the N00bs next time they attack."

"What do you suppose is doing this?"

"The Reckah," Tiamat let out a gasp as he said the name.

"Impossible. They were banished centuries ago."

"Just because they are banished doesn't mean they can't return. It just means we do not wish it."

"What makes you say a Reckah did this?"

"My lady, Tiamat and I fought against one by the name of Dismay last night. He used very advanced tactics and overtook both of us in a single move. He later returned within the tower, taking control of both our bodies and forcing us to fight against Morgen and Recks," Jigen informed them.

"Interesting. We must look into this. Rooko?"

"I understand, but I will need some help."

"Take whoever you need."

"Thank you. Morgen Jundi, Jigen Nosen, and Cios Drig."

Morgen and Jigen stepped up. Another man in the crowd, a bit younger than them, stepped forward as well.

"The three of you will be accompanying me to the Eastern Mountains. It is there that the Reckah were imprisoned. There is something else there…"

"Rooko, you speak of the Holy Dragon?" King Archer asked.

"Yes, my lord. As I have told you, the N00bs spoke of a Blood God. I fear that if this Blood God were to be awakened, we may need to rely on the powers of the Six Divine Beings to protect us."

"I shall allow it, but you name not capture the soul of the dragon, you may only ask for its help."

"Yes, my lord," Rooko said again and bowed. He then turned to leave, gestured to the men he had picked to follow him, and began to leave. "We leave first thing tomorrow. Pack warm clothes. The mountains are famous for their Souler Winds, winds that chill down to the very soul of whoever walks within them."

"King Archer, Lady Janime," Bann spoke again. "We… with Rooko gone, and by taking Morgen and Jigen, we are…"

"Do not worry, young warrior. We have already planned for this day," Queen Janime spoke in a cool, soothing voice now. "Step forth Migome Kiho, Jesi Saius, and Vaila Maho."

Migome walked back to where she had been standing behind Bann's wagon. Another two Bashers stepped out from the side. Bann recognized Jesi. He was Tiamat's best friend and ran Cree somewhat similar to his buddy. He was unfamiliar with Vaila's style, but knew she must be strong from her presence.

"You three are now Mods. You have kept the City of Janime safe from the inside, taking on slightly lesser jobs than the Elites. However, now that we are short three elite members; Rooko, Jigen, and Morgen; you three shall take their places as Elite Duelists. Also, during Rooko's absense, Zakei Stride shall lead the Elite Bashers. That is all. You are dismissed."

Next time on City of Fire: Wings of Blood