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, flashing 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!

Hes the Grand Master of the History Guild. Hes always running to the Knights of Light or the Guardians with these kinds of stories. He even comes to the Society of Imaginary Friends on a regular basis swearing that he knows where the Fractus are hiding! Hes become a running joke around town, Cyrus said.

The rest of their visit was uneventful. The guide showed Valerie, Cyrus, and Kanti around the building, explaining some of the details about how they protect the barrier between Earth and the Globe, and the history behind the Guild.

Valerie was very drawn to the Guardians, and learning more about the Guild deepened her interest. After all, she had more firsthand experience in crossing between worlds than almost anyone else on the Globe. In fact, compared to the Conjurors, Valerie was an expert on everything about Earth"from its culture to its geography"in a way that only having lived there could give. She could really make a difference as one of the Guardians, and she liked the idea of protecting her old home from the Fractus.

Still, she had held the dream of being a Knight for so long that it would be difficult to let go. It was one of the most important decisions shed ever make, and she knew that there was someone on Earth whom she wanted to talk to before she made her choice.

Chapter 19.

After finishing the tour of the gothic Guardians of the Boundary Guild, which was filled with secret pa.s.sages, dark hallways, and tall, arched ceilings, Valerie, Cyrus, and Kanti left The Horseshoe so that Valerie could see the rest of the city.

Kanti had to leave to teach a cla.s.s on popular culture on Earth to the apprentices, and Cyrus seemed more relaxed after she left. He and Valerie wandered around Silva for hours, peering into strange shops and exploring the winding streets. She insisted on stopping by every shop that sold sweets. Since she wasnt sure how to barter her power yet, Cyrus volunteered to leave small objects made of light in return for the candy. She gobbled the candy up, though none tasted as good as Dulceas pastries.

Dr. Freeman would freak out if he knew how much junk Im eating! But maybe not. Maybe he doesnt have time to think about me.

Why do you always do that?

What?

a.s.sume no one cares about you. Trust me; youre not the kind of person people forget. A piece of Valeries heart that she didnt know was frozen thawed a little. Anyway, its almost dinner time, and Dulcea doesnt like it when anyone comes late.

They burst into the dorm cafeteria in the nick of time, and Dulcea was waiting at the door, watch in hand. Right on time. Valerie, how are you liking Silva?

Its wonderful here. Theres so much to see!

Excellent!

And thank you so much for my room. I love it.

Of course! Thats what Im here for. Now, you two go fill your plates and make sure you leave room for dessert!

A long buffet full of strange dishes stood in the middle of the room. On either side of the buffet were round tables filled with other young Conjurors of different ages studying at the Society of Imaginary Friends. In the group of around one hundred, Valerie spotted several fairies, two giant people who towered five feet over everyone else, and five boys with bright red hair who were completely identical. Valerie wondered if they were brothers, or if one was an amoebiate, like Thai, and they were all clones.

She put a little bit of everything on her plate, and then she and Cyrus sat alone at a table in the corner. This time, she didnt hesitate to taste everything, no matter how strange it looked. She was in ecstasy, and she practically inhaled everything in sight. It was as if a part of her couldnt believe that she was finally going to have as much to eat as she wanted, so she had to fill up before it all disappeared.

Cy, you have got to try this purple lumpy thing; its the perfect amount of salty and sweet! Its like mashed potatoes with a little hint of sugar.

Its muddleberry pudding. Its really popular in Elsinore, where Kantis from. Shes always eating that stuff.

Once Valerie had her fill and topped it off with a chocolate filled with a sweet cream, she sat back, content.

Finally! Ive been waiting to give something to you, Cyrus said. From under his shirt, he pulled out a long chain that he was wearing around his neck. On the end of the chain was a clear sphere. He pulled it over his head and handed it to her.

She took it, looking curiously at the image that was flickering inside the sphere. At first, she couldnt make it out, but then the image shifted, and she realized what she was seeing. Inside the sphere was a moving picture of Valerie when she was little, playing with a dollhouse that she recognized from when she was six years old. It was her first trip to the hospital, and it had been her favorite toy. Its me in there, she said in confusion.

Yeah. This was made for you. Its your protective charm, so that when you were on Earth, no one could find you except for me.

Like the charm Venu has that stopped you from finding him?

Yes. For the past few years, the Society of Imaginary Friends has been issuing these charms for all kids with imaginary friends so that they cant be found by the Fractus.

Valerie put it around her own neck. Thanks, Cy. For keeping me safe. Not only with this, but also from all those monsters. You made it fun to fight those guys, so I was never really afraid. I dont know what I would have done without you all those years.

I never took it off, even after you stopped believing in imaginary friends. I wanted to make sure that nothing bad would ever happen to you.

Her heart squeezed in her chest. Maybe he wouldnt get sick of her, like the others. After all, he had been her best friend for a long time, and he hadnt abandoned her yet.

Before they said goodnight, Cyrus explained how to project to Earth. He a.s.sured her that there was really nothing to it other than a lot of concentration, but she was doubtful. She decided not to try it for the first time in front of Cyrus"shed definitely embarra.s.sed herself enough in front of him over the past few weeks.

That night, Valerie entered her room and found that she had the s.p.a.ce to herself. As she unwound Cyruss flower of light from her hair, she had to smile at how perfectly Dulcea had decorated her room. There was even a poster of her favorite band, the Crew, on the wall. She put the flower on her bedside table, where it glowed softly, like a nightlight. Then, taking a deep breath, she decided that it was time to make her first trip back to Earth. Kanti wasnt back from her cla.s.s yet, and Valerie was glad. For some reason, visiting Thai was private.

She squeezed her eyes shut and thought of Thai. She pictured his dark, intense eyes, and imagined the sound of his voice when he thought he could tell her what to do. She was thinking so hard that it took her a few seconds to realize that someone was talking to her.

Youre here already, open your eyes, a familiar voice ordered her.

She popped open her eyes and Thai was sitting in a green chair next to a hospital bed where Chisisi lay, watching her with interest.

Chisisi! Are you really okay?

Yes, yes, no need for more fuss. And my efforts were most gladly given, seeing that you have made your journey safely.

She turned her wide eyes to Thai. He knows?

He knew the whole time, Thai said with a shake of his head, but she could see that he wasnt annoyed. His glance at Chisisi seemed affectionate.

Then you know you were attacked because of me, she said, all of her guilt rushing back. Im so sorry for what happened to you.

It is no fault of yours. It was the Fractus who did this to me, not you. I am proud that I had the chance to thwart their plans and to help you make your way to your new home.

Thank you for everything youve done, she said, and Chisisi nodded his head.

Speaking of your new home, how is it there? Are they treating you okay? Thai asked.

Valerie filled him in on her fight with Venu in the pyramid, her trip to the Globe, and all of the marvelous things shed seen. Thai and Chisisi listened with quiet attention.

When she finished, Thai burst out, I cant believe that Venu sneaked past me! I was staring at the pyramid, waiting to see you leave, and he must have crawled in right behind my back. I knew I should have come through the tunnel with you, no matter what you and Cyrus thought. You could have been hurt!

It worked out okay. Hes not following either of you anymore, is he?

The frog man is quite gone, I a.s.sure you, Chisisi said. Your benefactor looked in to the matter and said that he has left the country. Valerie breathed a sigh of relief. She noticed that Chisisi looked tired, and his eyes closed.

In a softer voice, she whispered to Thai, I heard youre going home for a while.