Creature Hunters

Chapter 5: Wizard - Part 2

Blakk's first instinct was to draw his sword. It had been the first time he used this new blade, that he created before venturing out. It was infused with magic, and not properly tested. John silently chanted words, that didn't seem to cause any concern to the bandits. He didn't care what happened to himself. He was here for Lexaria.

The bandits looked to one another, slowly moving closer to attack. They were hesitant, despite having larger numbers against younger foe. One by one, they drew their weapons. It was time to fight.

Zapren was called out and took his position at John's side. Bandits don't see this type of magic often, so they began to distance themselves. It's not common for the average magic user to summon creatures. It wasn't long, before the bandits became impatient, and began their attacks. Blakk was the first to defend, using his mobility to avoid any damage. His strikes were dealing little damage, as he was more focused on evasion.

John barely called enough fire to knock a few bandits back. He was rushing through his casts, causing him to make mistakes. He began planning more moves while he dodged. Zapren jumped on a bandit's back and caused some distractions. He charged lightning strikes and took out a few enemies. He wasn't able to use his attacks for long, as his energy dwindled.

More bandits. Came from other rooms, the numbers becoming too large to handle. John and Blakk were close to giving up. Blakk was better off with single targets, and John needs time to focus his magic and has little real-world experience with close combat. As the situation got worse, and hope was gone, a light filled the cave. Two figures appeared in the middle of the fight. The young Wizards from Magma City had arrived.

The male Wizard used a Force Push to control the area, sending the bandits against the walls of the cave.

"May, get them out of here," the Male Wizard said. "You bandits have caused too many problems in our city."

"Brian, please don't overdo it this time," May said, slowly walking towards Blakk and John.

“We're not leaving without Lexaria!” John said angrily. “Get off of me!"

May took her hand off of John before she cast the teleportation spell. John went running around looking for Lexaria.

"Kid, don't just run off! If there's somebody else here, I'll get them out of here!" May turned to Blakk. "What's his deal?"

"Well, he's a Guardian, a damn good one at that. He does whatever it takes to protect and save, even at his own expense." Blakk looks to John. "I would have given up many times, but this kid inspires me."

"Enough of this, you need to get out. Now." Brian cast his spells fluidly; nearly every spell casted instantly. Something John only aspires to achieve.

At a final moment, they heard coughing and cries of help behind one if the doors. John and Blakk recognized this voice right away, as it was Lexaria's. It seemed faint, which worried them more. May blasted the lock with an arcane bolt, and they rushed into the room. It was dark, so they tried to proceed with caution. May used Lumira spell, which it's a bright light, causing the darkness to disappear.

Lexaria was shackled, on her knees. Her normally wavy red hair was messy. Her clothing was ripped and torn, and her face was dirty and bruised.

"Lexaria! No!” John said as he fell to his knees as he felt he failed her. “Are you okay?"

"Those bastards..." Blakk whispered.

Blakk knew exactly what happened. This was a clear sign of what he feared would happen. Bandits have gone too far this time, and a fire of vengeance was lit.

"I... tried to fight, but he was too skilled... it's like he was trained specifically to my fighting styles..."

"Stop. Back away from her. I'll tend to her." May said sternly

"But-" John looked up puzzled.

"What she went through was enough, please let me get her out of here."

"John, it's okay. The Wizard girl is right. Let's go."

May put her arm around Lexaria and tried to comfort her, while John and Blakk went back to check on Brian the Wizard. They emerged from the room, to find bodies of bandits against walls and on the floor. Most of them were charred, while others bled out. John was horrified by this display of death.

"They're... dead," John said surprised.

"Of course they are,” Brian said tilting his head up pompously. “They caused problems around our city, and threaten lives every day. It's better for everyone."

"But-"

"If you're not willing to kill your enemies, you'll find yourself dead soon enough."

May and Lexaria emerged next, with Lexaria leaning on May as they walked.

"Let's go. We need to report this to the council."

"Ugh, their ideals don't sit well with me, do you have to mention me?" Blakk looked around casually.

"Of course we do.” Brian snorted. “You and this kid entered the cave on your own without permission. You could have made things far worse for your girlfriend, or yourselves."

John and Blakk looked at each other, then back to Brian.

"She's not our-"

Blakk covered John's mouth before he could finish his sentence. He then motioned to John to take a look at Lexaria. John only needed a moment to realize the situation.

"Right... time and place."

May teleported out with Lexaria first, and Brian decided to wait. He looked towards John and Blakk.

"I understand.” Brian nodded his head. “I know why you came here today. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want to stay idly by either. But you should know that you're inside Magma City borders. The Council is strict."

"I've unfortunately learned from experience."

"My father may have mentioned it from time to time..." Johns voice trailed off.

Brian nodded and teleported the three of them out.

Magma City was much larger than John had realized, as it just kept going. They teleported into the center of the city, but he couldn't see the walls anymore. This was overwhelming. How could these Guardians protect an area this large? They must be powerful Wizards...

The Council was a plain building in the center of the city. The architecture was simple, unlike the rest of the buildings. Artificial plants, stoic guards, and people gloomy as they left the building.

John, Blakk, and Brian entered slowly, following behind a small crowd. Brian has access to some of the rooms, but it looked like his access was still limited. The inside looked the same wherever you went, and resembled the outside. What a strange place. It made John feel uneasy. They arrived before the head of the council. It was a fairly large room with a large table in the middle, chairs all around it.

"Head Council."

"Ah. Phoenix.” A member in the head council spoke. “That was a quick clearing as always. Who are these gentlemen?"

"I'm John. What's your name?"

"They do not go by their names here, just by title," Brian said looking appalled.

"Oh. I've never heard of that before."

Blakk avoided eye contact with the Head Council as much as he could and kept quiet.

"Cole, is that you?” The council smirked. “Behaving, I hope."

John and Brian looked behind them, only seeing Blakk. They looked confused.

"Oh!” John said surprised“you mean Blakk?"

"Cole is my... real name. I left that part of me behind."

"So you go by title now, just like Council members." The Head Council had a chuckle at the realization.

"I left for good reason.” Blakk steamed in anger. “Your laws aren't fair."

"Watch yourself,” Brian said seething with hatred. “This is the Head Council you're talking to."

"Not to worry, Brian.” The Head Council waved. “Let him express himself. He did abandon his family, after all."

"You caused it!” Blakk spittled with rage. “I did what I needed to do!"

Blakk stormed out, putting up his hood for the first time since joining John. A moment of silence befell the room, only being broken by the arrival of May and Lexaria.

"So we're all here then," May said ignoring the display Blakk caused.

John made eye contact with Lexaria, causing more awkwardness; Lexaria looks to the ground.

"Where's... Blakk?" Lexaria whispered.

"He sort of... stormed out."

"He's a man with experience, let's just say that." The Head Council looks upon the group, gesturing for everyone to take a seat. "Now then, let's begin." The Head Council stands at the back of the room, at the end of the table. "I know this isn't normal protocol to have a meeting this way, but our information is... troubling to say the least."

"There have been increased numbers of casualties not only outside the city but within it as well,” Brian said formally. “In fact, I've gathered that some of the activity is suspiciously noticeable in Central Magma City."

"Bold statement. Keep in mind that the Council covers a large area around the city, including Central."

"I've also noticed a strange change in behavior with bandits, sir,” John said thinking. “They're organized and well..."

"Go ahead, young man." The Head Council encouraged.

"Well, we believe they're targeting Guardians. It's too convenient that their movements are in order of element weaknesses."

"Interesting,” Brian said nodding his head. “That would make sense. That solves some loose ends in our theories."

"My father was killed easily through the usage of Lightning magic, and they obtained Water magic from my town. Through that discovery, I assumed they would-"

"Enough.” The Head Council said dismissively. “This is merely fantasy. Bandits aren't organized, and they certainly aren't targeting Guardians. Let's get back to the real reason we're here."

The room fell quiet once more, as the Head Council seemed to change his demeanor.

"Yes, sir. May and I noticed the kid and the other guy acting strangely as they entered the city walls. One seemed in a hurry, the other running after him. As a result, they led us to the bandit camp near the city."

"We teleported in, and dealt with the bandits,” May chimed in. “And rescued these two, and the other guy."

"It would have been wiser to wait
it out, as those kids decided to stick their noses where it didn't belong.” The Head Council said sternly. “You two could have made it worse by acting so quickly."

Lexaria was stunned by the words coming from this man, as it sounded like his priority wasn't at all rescue.

"It's a... benefit,” The Head Council looked at Lexaria. “That you rescued this young woman, however. Hopefully, you weren't injured."

"Well, she-" May started.

"No sir, I'm fine," Lexaria said slightly angered.

"Good, very good.” The Head Council said not seeming to care either way. “Now then, is that all?"

"Yes, sir. We'll do a follow-up, and continue our watch." Brian bowed.

"Very good.” The Head Council commended. “I always have great results with you Wizards. Don't let current events lead you astray."

May and Brian nodded, and the group began heading out. John remained quiet, as his brain kept piecing things together.

"Miss Lexaria." The Head Council spoke softly.

Lexaria turned around slowly, to face the Head Council. The rest of the group was already outside the room. "Oh, yes?"

"If you need anything, just stop by. I'm sure we could work something out. You can tell me anything." The Head Council smiled.

"Oh. Thank you." Lexaria left the room, and John was still deep in thought for a moment, then turned to Lexaria.

"What did he speak with you about?"

"Oh, it was nothing. We should go find Blakk. I saw him leave when May and I arrived. He wouldn't respond to us."

"Oh, you mean Cole?” John said annoyed. “At least, that's what Head Council called him. I wonder why he doesn't go by his name anymore."

"Cole? I think I like that name.” Lexaria cracked a quick smile. “Blakk isn't exactly a name to that fits him."

John and Lexaria walked together through the Halls fo the Council building. John looked at Lexaria at the corner of his eye often, wondering about her state of mind. Lexaria noticed his constant gazes but ignores it for now. They left the building and emerge once again to blend with the crowd. It was slightly more crowded in the streets this time, and they were now the ones with gloomy expressions. Maybe the Council does that to everyone.

Blakk stood against the wall of the Council, with his hood still up, and maintained a downward gaze. John noticed him from a few feet away.

"Blakk! Over here!" John waved at him.

Blakk glanced at the corner of his eye and took a deep sigh. He began moving towards John and Lexaria. "So, how did it go? Did they want to know everything that went down in the cave?"

"Yeah,” John said with unease. “His mood changed often, based on what he was told."

"Not surprising,” Blakk snorted. “He's not exactly an agreeable sort. I'm one of few that can't see the trust him."

"I feel the same.” Lexaria concurred. “Something is off about him. Call it a Memphy Intuition."

Blakk looked at Lexaria for a moment, then looked to the ground once again. Another awkward silence befell the group.

"Okay, we need to address this. I know you two are upset about what happened to me. I know better than anyone else how horrible it was. But don't blame yourselves!"

Blakk and John look to each other, unable to look her in the eyes.

"Listen.” Blakk cleared his throat. “I know a blacksmith in the city. I'll take you to him to make you a new armor."

Lexaria was surprised by the change of tone. It felt like a more caring side of Blakk, and she liked it.

"I'll take you up on that offer, Cole," Lexaria smirked.

Blakk started to blush, his reasons for disowning that name were forgotten for a moment.

John and Lexaria laughed for a moment at Blakk's expense. After a while longer of teasing, they all started heading east through the city. Hopefully, Lexaria could get a good replacement for her destroyed armor.