Max Adventures: Elemental Guardians Episode 4: Protector Of The Wilds

Chapter 6: Suspicions Arise

"And that's why we honor Alghazal. Thanks to him, the jungle was saved from being destroyed" she explained to them as the glowing plant life faded but the pictures of the story stayed.

"Wow" Zinti, Twitch, Spike, Bella and Koda said amazed. Daria sure knew how to make story telling fun and exciting.

"The festival is tomorrow and if it's are only chance to meet Alghazal and his heir, then we might as well stick around till then" Higgabottom suggested.

"Right. And there's no doubt that Apachi and his allies will come here to find the guardian. We need to stay alert" Kara reminded them serious.

Daria and Timber looked at one another concerned and serious. The younger wolf gently clenched the charm on his choker in nervousness.

The she wolf sensed her son's nervousness and knew the others needed to leave so that she could talk with her son "You know there have been recent reports of Alghazal being spotted more and more often" she informed them and everyone looked at her surprised.

"Really? Well that's interesting" Magus piped up as he appeared out if the lion staff. The wolves got startled to see him since he didn't show himself earlier.

Max noticed their reaction and cleared his throat to Magus "Um Magus?" He said and motioned his head to his new friends with their current reactions. The spirit turned around and noticed.

"Oops sorry. Guess I should've introduced myself earlier. I am Magus. I was the one who chose the guardians all those years ago" he introduced himself and gave them a bow. Daria and Timber looked at eachother blinking.

"I guess since after what happened last time, the guardian is just trying to protect his home and everyone else in it" Leena added, referring to the first time they saw the deer protector.

Koda jumped up excited "Well until the festival starts, I wanna start training for my Jungle Rite tomorrow. I gotta get ready for it. Plus, all that training will help me defend our home from that those bullies. If they think my brother is the only one protecting this jungle, they better watch out for me!" Koda said proudly as he punched his fists in the air.

Max chuckled at his brother's determination and confidence. He liked how the young otter was ready to protect their home. He was glad to see Koda hasn't changed since Max left. He missed his little brother. Even if they didn't share the same blood, they were still his family, always and always will be. Plus, training will give the two a chance to catch up.

The lion walked up to Koda and ruffled his furry head. "We'll get to training soon. But first let's see if anyone needs help preparing for the festival" he suggested ad the otter smiled big at him.

"Alright then let's go! Last one there's a rotten mango!" He said excited as he zoomed out to the door. "After him!" Zinti said and ran after him with Bella behind her.

"Mangoes? Where?! I want some!" Spike said excited, misunderstanding what the otter said and he followed after him. "Aw Spike" Twitch said annoyed as he chased after him.

Max chuckled at the kids and his two best friends. "Well come on gang. Let's go see if anyone needs help with preparations" Max told them as Magus zoomed back into the lion staff and everyone started to walk out.

Tazer, however, paused in his walking, his ears twitched at faint whispers from behind him. The others probably wouldn't catch it but for a fox, there's no sound that can escape his sharp hearing.

"When night falls, you and I need to meet your dad at the great tree. Ok?" Daria whispered to her son. Timber nodded to his mom.

"Hmm" Tazer hummed suspicious and left but the wolf caught a glimpse of the fox. "I think that fox suspects us" he told her. Daria put an arm around his shoulder "Don't worry about him. Just be yourself and go help the others ok my little leaf" she told him calmly and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. Timber smiled at his mom sweetly.

"Hey Max!" Tazer called out to the lion as he walked up to him. "What's up Tazer?" He said as he turned around to face the fox.

Tazer had a serious face "There's something up with those two wolves. Especially Timber" he told him serious.

Max stared at him confused "What do you mean?" He asked him, crossing his arms. "He seemed nervous when we talked about the Nature Guardian. And I noticed that his necklace looks alot like the one Alghazal wears"

The fox prince explained. He felt there was something off with Timber. The way he left when he passing drinks looked like that he was hiding something.

Max frowned at Tazer "Tazer. Timber's had that necklace since we were kids. Plus, he can be shy sometimes around new people" Max tried to reason with him. He had known Timber since they were small. There was no way he was hiding something.

The fox shook his head "He may be your friend but how well do you really know him him? What if he's connected to the Guardian? What if he even knows who his heir is?" Tazer told him persistently.

Max glared at him, not liking how the fox was accusing his friend. "Listen to me Tazer. We can't just assume anything just from a matching accessory or nervousness. Timber wouldn't hurt anyone alright" Max told him sternly, not liking the fox's accusations.

"Hey Max. Wait up. Might if I join you?" Max and Tazer turned to Timber's voice as the wolf approached them. Max smiled at his friend "Sure. Come on. We need all the help we can get. Plus, you and I need to catch up" Max told him as he and Timber walked off.

Tazer sighed as he followed them but he still had his suspicions and he was gonna keep an eye on that wolf.