A Journey Within the Realm
Chapter 12-2: Back at Kei’s Castle

I was sitting on my throne, when Aneko appeared suddenly.

“Your Highness,” Aneko exclaimed, “I’m afraid we have some bad news.”

I sighed, “What is it this time?”

“It seems that both Commander Gen and Commander Machiko were defeated,” Aneko answered.

“What!?! Both of them!?!” I yelled, “Are they here!?!”

“Well…,” Aneko replied, looking away.

“Well, nothing,” I yelled, “Bring them here!”

“Right away, My Leige,” Aneko said, disappearing.

It took only a second for Aneko to appear with Machiko. Once again, a commander with her arms burned off. I looked around, but didn’t see Commander Gen.

“Where is Commander Gen?” I asked.

“I’m afraid she was eaten by a bat, My Queen,” Aneko answered.

Machiko started chuckling under her breath.

“Silence, Machiko,” I yelled, “You are in big enough trouble for the both of you!”

Machiko stopped laughing.

“Now,” I said, crossing my arms, “Tell me what happened.”

“Well, we had them captured and we were about to kill them, when that light mage asked us a question,” Machiko explained, “Before long, Gen and I got into an argument. I guess we weren’t paying attention when a bat swooped down and ate Gen.”

“That was an idiot move,” I said, “Go on.”

“After that happened, I started walking over to the light mage to kill him,” Machiko continued, “Suddenly, the light mage started moving his head like he was saying yes or no. He only nodded yes once and when that happened a bat started draining his blood. That’s when my shadow boa constrictor released her grip.”

“What did he do?” I asked.

“He was a complete nut,” Machiko exclaimed, “He was weak in the legs, but kept moving towards me. On top of that, anything you say, he misunderstamds it and thinks you are saying something completely different. Some of it is not even close to what was going on at the time!”

“Wait a minute… did you say that when he nodded yes, a bat appeared and started draining his blood?” I asked.

“Yes, Your Honor,” Machiko replied.

“That means a vampire has joined him,” I said, “Just like the ability of the few rare mages that gain the powers of its partners. Somehow he was quick in gaining the ability to talk and understand bats and I bet his vampire friend was the one doing the talking.”

“If you don’t mind me asking,” Machiko began, “Who has that ability?”

“Very well,” I replied, “I will answer that as your last request.”

Machiko swallowed hard.

“I now know only two mages have this ability,” I started, “Him and me. No one else had that ability. I believe you gained that after you beat Virote in the Nebulous. I figure that light mage was sent into the Nebulous and was able to defeat Virote and kill him. That’s why I can’t sense his powers anymore. Now that I answered your question, begone!”

I snapped my fingers and Machiko blew up into the same pile of ashes that Hanako had turned into. I got up from my throne and started pacing around the room.

“I don’t like this one single bit, Aneko,” I said, “Even when this guy is weak, he’s strong. He already defeated three of my commanders.”

“Should we send your rank four commander?” Aneko asked.

“Not yet,” I answered, “We need to observe this light mage a little closer. We need to replace out his weaknesses and use them to our advantage. Use one of my shadow ghosts and tell her to stay hidden. Now, go.”

“Right away, My Queen,” Aneko replied, disappearing.

I walked back to my throne and sat down. I sighed. Somehow there’s a way to beat you, Randy. And when I replace it, you’re dead.