Part 11 (1/2)

Yes, and unusual. No such creature has ever been reported on the Globe before. Strange times we live in, Kellen said with a shake of his head. Im not trying to scare you, but I want you to understand what youre signing up for. The Fractus are up to something, and you can bet that the Knights will be on the front lines of the battle thats brewing. Its only a matter of time before the Fractus try to attack key Guilds like the Guardians to learn their secrets. When that time comes, it will be up to the Knights to defend them and all of Arden.

Kellen departed, leaving Valerie deep in thought. Could Sanguina somehow be involved in the increased attacks by the Fractus? Valeries gut told her that Sanguina was hungry for power, and controlling the Guilds would give her the authority over the Globe that she craved. But why would she consider Valerie a threat to her plans? She shuddered as she imagined what Sanguina would do if she ever found her.

Kanti interrupted her thoughts. That was killer! Do you know who you were fighting? Gideon is second in command of the Knights of Light. Most people dont last a single minute with him.

Valerie blushed. Lets check out the Guardians. I want to keep my options open.

Cyrus was oddly quiet as they walked down the path toward the Guardians of the Boundary Guild.

What is it? Somethings bothering you, I can tell, Valerie said, worried.

He doesnt like it that youll be better at protecting him than he will be at protecting you. Gideon left him unconscious in thirty seconds flat when they sparred, Kanti said with a loud laugh.

Shut up, Kanti. You dont know what youre talking about. Im really tired”yesterday was a long day.

You wanted to join the Knights? Valerie asked, surprised.

Not really. I checked out a few guilds a couple years ago. I wanted to make sure that I was making the right decision to stay with the Society of Imaginary Friends. But the Knights werent right for me, Cyrus explained.

Plus, you didnt make the cut, Kanti added.

I said, shut up!

No worries, h.e.l.l tell me if he wants to, Valerie said, feeling uncomfortable with the angry turn that her friends constant teasing had taken.

But Kanti continued. Why beat around the bush? Whats there to be ashamed of? You are who you are. You cant be good at everything. Heck, Ill admit that I was turned down from every guild I applied to except for the Society of Imaginary Friends. I would have loved to be in the Players”thats the drama guild here. They told me I didnt have the right look. But its for the best, because Im right where I belong, and so is Cyrus. Im not going to indulge his giant ego.

The rest of the walk to the next Guild was very quiet, and Valerie wished she had never asked Cyrus why he had wanted to join the Knights. But her worries were temporarily forgotten when she saw the building that housed the Guardians. It looked like a tall, white cathedral reaching toward the sky. Giant silver doors etched with pictures of rearing horses, flas.h.i.+ng swords, and powerful men and women opened to the main room, where stained-gla.s.s windows let in a muted light.

They stepped through the doors, and Kanti left them to find a restroom while Valerie stared at the graceful beauty around her. It was so quiet and peaceful inside that she was startled when an exceptionally tall woman with dark skin and deep purple hair appeared suddenly, as if she had stepped out of thin air. Something about her quiet authority almost made Valerie want to bow, as ridiculous as that idea was. She smiled pleasantly at her visitors. Cyrus, Valerie, welcome. My name is Midnight.

Hi, Valerie said shyly, wondering how Midnight knew her name. Did she have some kind of psychic power? She was tongue-tied staring into the depths of Midnights violet eyes, which were a shade lighter than her hair. Her name sounded familiar, and Valerie remembered that she was the Conjuror Thai had mentioned when he had told her about Tan.

If I may ask, how was your trip to the Globe? Midnight asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. We so rarely have travelers from Earth now.

Valerie was surprised, and looked at Cyrus for help. How did Midnight know? But Cyrus looked confused, too.

Um, the whole thing was pretty cool, she said uncertainly, not sure how much to tell.

Midnight chuckled. I apologize. As the Grand Master of this Guild, I approve and a.s.sist with all travel between Earth and the Globe. Azra and I worked closely together to craft your trip. The Great Pyramid portal is complex, but it was the last working place to launch from Earth.

You should know”I think I broke it, Valerie said, stricken.

We knew that was a possibility. Were simply grateful that it was able to deliver you to us before it disintegrated. I sense youll be a delightful addition to our world.

Valerie relaxed. Im sure glad to be here.

How is your friend, Thai? I havent visited him in a few weeks. Hes a resourceful young man.

Hes doing well, I think. Hes very grateful to you.

Midnight shook her head, and her beautiful hair brushed against her shoulders. It was my honor. We are lucky to count him as an ally. So what brings you to our guild today? Are you here to report a Sighting?

No, nothing like that, Cyrus said. Actually, its Valerie whos here to see you. Shes new to the city and shes checking out the guilds.

But whats a Sighting? Valerie interrupted.

We like to see curiosity in our new recruits, Midnight said with approval. A Sighting occurs when a Conjuror discovers that one of the Fractus has been seen projecting to Earth for a dark purpose. Sometimes it turns out to be mischief-makers looking to have fun at the expense of humans, but we have had some situations where the Fractus have been terrifying a human to the point of mental torture.

Thats terrible.

Even when its young Conjurors thinking its funny to jump out from under childrens beds, they dont realize the psychological scar it can leave. Its always busiest here around Halloween, so weve been receiving many reports of Sightings over the past few weeks.

As if all the parties and tricks happening on the Globe for Halloween arent enough to keep them happy! They think its fun to scare some poor kid. Cyrus said, disgusted.

We partner closely with the Society of Imaginary Friends, Midnight explained to Valerie. Often theyre the best eyes and ears for whats happening down on Earth. In fact, information from Cyrus has led to the capture of twelve troublemakers over the years, as well as three members of the Fractus.

At this remark, the gloom surrounding Cyrus finally lifted. He whispered to Valerie, I found most of them when I was your imaginary friend, Val. You were like, some kind of monster magnet. Thats the other reason I suspected that you had some major magic inside you. It was probably what was drawing them all to you.

Valerie remembered that she and Cyrus had fought many foes together over the years, but she had always thought they were imaginary. Those monsters were real?

On the Globe they were, sure. But they couldnt hurt you on Earth. So I turned it in to kind of a game, so you wouldnt be afraid.

She shuddered. I cant believe someone would do that to a kid.

Midnight overheard Valeries last sentence. Yes, its disturbing how some troublemakers see nothing wrong with frightening innocent children. Thats part of the reason why what we do here is so important. Just then, Kanti walked back to the group, and Midnight turned her attention to the purpose of their visit. Let me call someone to give you a tour. If youre interested in joining the Guardians, theyll set you up for testing.

But before she could call anyone, the door burst open and a big, beefy man wearing a long, blue robe and tall, pointy hat hurried in. He was so focused that he didnt notice the group at first.

Chern? Everything okay? Midnight asked.

The man let out a high-pitched shriek, and his eyes filled with terror. Oh, you scared me!

Midnight purposefully spoke in a soft and soothing voice. Nothing to frighten you in here, Chern. All is safe.

Yes, yes, I know. You startled me. His face turned very red. Im here to report that one of the Fractus is after me! Im convinced of it!

What happened?

Well, first, when I opened my front door this morning, right there on my porch was a black shoe print. And I know its not from my shoe”it was much too small. Then, I discovered that one of my robes was missing from my closet! Im sure, simply positive, that this is the work of the member of the Fractus that I heard about in the news”the one who was haunting that young family in India! Hes disguising himself in my robe. You must find him before he comes back for more of my things! Cherns voice reached a higher and higher pitch as he told his story.

Valerie had to use all her concentration not to burst out laughing. She made a point not to look at Cyrus, because she knew that one glance and they would both be on the floor.

Well send someone over right away, Midnight said seriously. Then she turned to Valerie. If youll excuse me, Ill send someone to give you your tour, she said, and then whisked Chern through one of the doors in the back of the room.

The minute that the door closed behind them, Kanti, Cyrus, and Valerie burst into laughter. That guy brings new meaning to being paranoid!